Commercial Hose Reel Buying Guide

When it comes to efficient, effective cleaning with less risk and zero hassle, hose reels are an ideal washdown solution for a variety of settings. Areas like foodservice prep and cooking stations, educational and healthcare facilities, loading docks, food processing plants and more can all benefit from the power and precision a hose reel provides.

But buying a commercial hose reel can seem daunting, with all the options you need to consider and decide. This guide will walk you through the buying process and everything you need to know to select the perfect hose reel for your application.

What is a hose reel?

A commercial hose reel is a heavy-duty, robustly constructed device designed to meet the demands of professional environments. You'll find hose reels in places such as industrial facilities, manufacturing operations, and commercial settings like restaurant kitchens or breweries. Commercial hose reels are created to withstand rough handling, frequent use and exposure to various elements. 

Commercial hose reels enable easy access to water and help keep workspaces clean and organized. They're often larger, longer and thicker than a typical garden hose and are engineered to handle high water pressure.

Open or closed?

Starting with an easy one: you'll want to consider whether your commercial hose reel is "open" or "closed." An open reel allows visibility and easy access for cleaning, while a closed reel keeps everything out of sight.

Commercial hose reel coatings 

Buyers will typically have two options regarding hose reel coatings: stainless steel or epoxy-coated steel.

Stainless steel is highly durable and corrosion resistant. Epoxy-coated steel has a two-part coating that lasts longer than paint and is a less expensive alternative to stainless.

When choosing between stainless or epoxy-coated steel, consider your environment. For example, if your hose reel will be in an environment with high humidity or high salt levels, such as those found in coastal areas or on cruise ships, stainless steel is an ideal choice for its corrosion resistance.

Hose size options

Another option you'll need to choose is the length of the hose. First, consider where you plan to install the hose reel and the location of the nearest water line access point. Measure how far the commercial hose reel installation is from the furthest point that will need to be cleaned.

Depending on the size of the cleaning area and the number of water lines available, multiple hose reels may make future cleaning more efficient.

In addition to hose length, you'll need to choose what hose diameter you might need.

• 3/8" diameter - Standard for most specifications involving washdown
• 1/2" diameter - Ideal for higher-volume applications
• 3/4" diameter - Allows for large-scale, heavy industrial cleaning and other applications where higher water volume is required

Outlet devices

Choosing the right outlet device to accompany your hose reel can make a significant difference in the ensuing efficiency and convenience. Consider how large the item or area to be washed is, as well as how the operator might hold the device while in use. Choosing the easiest position ahead of time will allow for maximum comfort and efficiency later.

Hose reel outlet device options:

• Spray valves - Similar to a pre-rinse unit spray valve, these are suited for multi-purpose uses such as cleaning out dish machines and other equipment.
• Water guns - Often available with front- or rear-trigger options, water guns allow for more powerful washdowns or large or heavily soiled areas.
• Spray wands - Allowing you to apply water pressure without straining to reach, spray wands are perfect for cleaning tiles and grout or areas where precision work in tighter areas is needed. 

Installation options

In addition to the hose reel options above, you'll also have some installation options to consider.

Mounting brackets

Most hose reels come with a mounting base to install your commercial hose reel directly to the wall or ceiling. Using mounting brackets helps increase your hose's reach and flexibility. Some mounting bracket options include:

• Swing brackets - For wall mounts, allowing movement from right to left
• Pivot brackets - For ceiling or tabletop mounts, allowing 360-degree movement
• Table leg brackets - For mounting on table legs, allowing the reel to swing up under table when not in use

Hose reel cabinets

T&S also offers a hose reel cabinet, designed to ensure a smooth, streamlined installation no matter the circumstances. Contractors no longer need to improvise solutions for hanging hose reels on the wall with visible plumbing, leading to less-than-ideal installations and displeased customers.

By guaranteeing the installer has all necessary components for a clean installation, hose reel cabinets reduce the complexity of specifying a hose reel. This design provides a clean, neat appearance regardless of whether the hose reel cabinet is recessed or exposed.

Why choose a T&S commercial hose reel?

T&S is the trusted choice for hose reels. Here's why:

• Durable construction: Built for heavy-duty use, every T&S hose reel features thick drum supports, bases and arms. With no trap points, the unit is less likely to rust over time.
• Protected hose outlet: Our hose reels feature extra protection around the hose outlet to facilitate free movement in any direction, extending the life of the hose jacket.
• Mounting base: With extra holes and slots, our functional mounting base simplifies installations and allows commercial hose reels to be installed by a single individual.
• Adjustable arm: T&S allows the guide arm to move to eight positions - twice as many as other brands.
• Hose stop: Fully adjustable, the hose stop not only prevents the hose from retracting completely into the reel, it also gives the users the option to choose how much hose should hang for easy reach.
• Hose construction: T&S hoses feature a nitrile tube, which is more durable than rubber models, and are also reinforced by a high tensile steel wire braid that prevents kinking and hose jacket failure.
• Anti-lockout ratchet design: When the hose is fully extended, this innovative ratchet pawl allows it to retract freely.
• Steel manspring enclosure: T&S hose reels feature an enclosed spring case to allow for safe and hassle-free replacement.

Select your perfect hose reel

Selecting the perfect hose reel involves careful consideration of several factors, including reel type, material, hose length and diameter, and mounting options. By understanding your specific requirements and the available options, you can choose a hose reel that enhances efficiency, durability and convenience.

Ready to spec a T&S hose reel? Watch this video explaining how to choose the exact options you need.