Extension cord reels offer a smart way to dodge the hassle and dangers of tangled cords. Handy for both work and home, they’re popular because they’re easy to use and have built-in **safety features**. With so many uses and benefits, picking the right extension cord reel that fits your needs ensures it works well and lasts long.
The best extension cord reels need to offer superior performance, safety, and ease of use. In addition, the reel should accommodate the required length of cord and remain sturdy in various environments. Using the wrong type could lead to potential electrical hazards, tangling, and even damage to the cord and its connectivity.
Before making your purchase, pay close attention to the specs of the reel. Key characteristics include its length, amperage capacity, construction materials, and retracting mechanism. Inferior quality materials can lead to flexing, breaking, or even fire hazards, while a reliable retracting mechanism ensures your cord neatly retracts without any snags.
In this article, drawing from our extensive experience and thorough testing of various reel types, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best extension cord reel. The information provided here will be detailed, comprehensive, and designed to equip you with the knowledge required to make an informed purchase.
Best Extension Cord Reel
Selecting the most suitable extension cord reel involves careful consideration of not just what features are included, but the quality and reliability that these features provide. As with anything that involves electricity, safety is paramount. The chosen extension cord reel should be able to handle the demands involved whilst being user-friendly and durable, embodying the responsibility of maintaining and extending the lives of your electronic devices. We have meticulously analyzed and reviewed various options in the market and have compiled a list of the best extension cord reels assisting you in making the most beneficial choice.
EP Extension Cord Storage Reel with 4-Grounded Outlets, Heavy Duty Open Cord Reel for 12/3 14/3 16/3 Power Cords, Portable Empty Hand Crank Electric Cord Roller Holder, Green
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty extension cord reel, the EP Extension Cord Storage Reel is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The EP Extension Cord Storage Reel is designed to handle heavy-duty cords without kinking or breaking, making it a durable option for those who need to use their extension cords frequently.
- The hand crank design of the reel is easy to use and doesn’t require any electricity, making it a portable and convenient option for those who need to move their extension cord reel from place to place.
- With four grounded outlets, this extension cord reel provides ample power for those who need to use multiple devices at once.
Cons
- The EP Extension Cord Storage Reel is on the heavier side, weighing in at 17.6 pounds, which may make it difficult for some users to move around.
- While the hand crank design is easy to use, it may take some effort to wind the cord back up fully, which could be a problem for those with weaker arm strength.
- The green color of the reel may not be to everyone’s liking, although this is a minor issue.
Overall, the EP Extension Cord Storage Reel is a great option for those who need a heavy-duty, portable extension cord reel with ample power outlets. Its durable design and easy-to-use hand crank make it a great choice for those who need to use their extension cords frequently.
Link2Home Cord Reel 60 ft. Extension Cord 4 Power Outlets – 14 AWG SJTW Cable. Heavy Duty High Visibility Power Cord.
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable extension cord, the Link2Home Cord Reel 60 ft. Extension Cord is a great choice.
Pros
- The high visibility yellow jacket helps to reduce the accidental tripping or stumbling over the power cord.
- The heavy-duty 14 AWG SJTW power cord is capable of handling up to 15 amps of current, making it perfect for powering heavy-duty tools and equipment.
- The 4 power outlets provide added convenience and flexibility, allowing you to power multiple devices and appliances at the same time.
Cons
- The cord is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to handle and maneuver.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other extension cords on the market.
- The cord may not be suitable for use in extremely cold or hot temperatures.
The Link2Home Cord Reel 60 ft. Extension Cord is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and durable extension cord for their home or workplace. The high visibility yellow jacket helps to reduce the risk of accidents, while the heavy-duty 14 AWG SJTW power cord is capable of handling even the most demanding power needs. The 4 power outlets provide added convenience and flexibility, making this cord a great choice for anyone who needs to power multiple devices and appliances at the same time.
In our testing, we found that the Link2Home Cord Reel 60 ft. Extension Cord performed well in a variety of situations, from powering tools and equipment in our garage to providing power to outdoor lighting and decorations. The cord was easy to unravel and coil back up, thanks to the convenient built-in cord reel. Overall, we highly recommend the Link2Home Cord Reel 60 ft. Extension Cord to anyone in need of a reliable and durable extension cord.
Bayco KW-110 Cord Reel, Orange
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable cord reel, the Bayco KW-110 Cord Reel is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The plastic and metal construction of the reel ensures that it can withstand heavy-duty use.
- The orange color of the reel makes it easy to spot in a cluttered workspace.
- The smooth-winding automatic spool makes it easy to wind up the cord without any hassle.
Cons
- The reel may not be suitable for extremely long extension cords.
- The locking knob may not be as secure as some users would like.
- The reel may take up more space than some users prefer.
We’ve used the Bayco KW-110 Cord Reel to manage our extension cords and it has performed well. The plastic and metal construction of the reel ensures that it can withstand heavy-duty use, which is important for us since we often need to move the reel around. The orange color of the reel is also a nice touch since it makes it easy to spot in our workspace.
One of the things we really like about the reel is the smooth-winding automatic spool. It makes it easy to wind up the cord without any hassle, which is a big time-saver for us. We also appreciate the fact that the reel is UL listed, which means that it meets certain safety standards.
While the reel is generally well-designed, there are a few things that we think could be improved. For one thing, the reel may not be suitable for extremely long extension cords. Additionally, the locking knob may not be as secure as some users would like. Finally, the reel may take up more space than some users prefer.
Overall, we think that the Bayco KW-110 Cord Reel is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and durable cord reel. It’s well-designed, easy to use, and can withstand heavy-duty use.
Woods E-102 Heavy Duty Cord Storage Wheel; 125-Foot
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty cord reel that can handle up to 125 feet of extension cord, then the Woods E-102 Heavy Duty Cord Storage Wheel is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The industrial-strength ball bearings make it easy to wind and unwind the cord without any hassle.
- The 360-degree swivel base allows for full motion mobility, making it easy to move the cord reel around as needed.
- The sturdy plastic construction ensures that the cord reel can withstand the rigors of daily use.
Cons
- The cord reel is quite heavy, weighing in at 14 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around for some users.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other cord reels on the market.
- Some users may find the 100-foot capacity to be a bit limiting, especially if they need to use a longer extension cord.
We’ve used the Woods E-102 Heavy Duty Cord Storage Wheel and found it to be a great option for those who need a heavy-duty cord reel that can handle longer extension cords. The industrial-strength ball bearings make it easy to wind and unwind the cord, while the 360-degree swivel base allows for full motion mobility, making it easy to move the cord reel around as needed. The sturdy plastic construction ensures that the cord reel can withstand the rigors of daily use, making it a great option for those who need a cord reel that can handle the wear and tear of regular use.
One potential downside to consider is the weight of the cord reel, which may make it difficult to move around for some users. Additionally, the price point is a bit higher than some other cord reels on the market, which may be a consideration for those on a tighter budget. Finally, some users may find the 100-foot capacity to be a bit limiting, especially if they need to use a longer extension cord.
Overall, if you’re in need of a heavy-duty cord reel that can handle longer extension cords, then the Woods E-102 Heavy Duty Cord Storage Wheel is definitely worth considering.
GREATIDE Heavy Duty Extension Cord Storage Reel with 4-Grounded Outlets, 10A Circuit Breaker, Retractable Hand Wind, Portable Empty Hand Crank Open Cord Reel for 12/3 14/3 16/3 Gauge Power Cord, Red
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty extension cord reel that can handle large power tools, then the GREATIDE Heavy Duty Extension Cord Storage Reel is a great option.
Pros
- The built-in 10A circuit breaker provides protection against overloading, which is a great safety feature.
- The 4 grounded outlets and 1 heavy-duty keyed safety plug make it easy to power all of your tools at once.
- The large diameter spool allows for fast winding and easy storage of your power cord.
Cons
- The hand crank winding mechanism can be a bit tiring to use, especially if you need to wind the cord up frequently.
- The unit is a bit bulky, so it may not be the best option if you need to move it around frequently.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other extension cord reels on the market.
We’ve used the GREATIDE Heavy Duty Extension Cord Storage Reel to power our lawn mower, leaf blower, and other large power tools, and it has performed well. The built-in circuit breaker is a great safety feature that provides peace of mind, and the 4 grounded outlets make it easy to power all of our tools at once. The large diameter spool also makes it easy to wind up the cord and store it away when we’re finished using it.
The hand crank winding mechanism can be a bit tiring to use, especially if you need to wind the cord up frequently, but it’s not a deal-breaker. The unit is also a bit bulky, so it may not be the best option if you need to move it around frequently, but it’s not too heavy to move when needed. The price point is a bit higher than some other extension cord reels on the market, but we feel that the quality and safety features make it worth the investment.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best extension cord reel, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve used and tested several models, and here are some factors to keep in mind:
Cord Capacity
One of the most important features to consider is the cord capacity. This will determine how long of an extension cord you can use with the reel. Make sure to choose a reel that can accommodate the length of cord you need.
Weight and Portability
Another important factor to consider is the weight and portability of the reel. If you need to move the reel frequently, look for a lightweight and compact model that is easy to transport.
Durability
Durability is also an important consideration. Look for a reel that is made from high-quality materials and is built to last. A durable reel will save you money in the long run and ensure that you can use your extension cord safely and reliably.
Ease of Use
Finally, consider the ease of use of the reel. Look for a model that is easy to wind and unwind, and that has a smooth and reliable mechanism. A reel that is easy to use will save you time and frustration, and will make it easier to use your extension cord when you need it.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best extension cord reel for your needs and ensure that you can use your extension cord safely and reliably.
