A retractable extension cord reel isn’t a must in every homeowner’s arsenal but will truly be a time saver when rolling and unrolling cord. Not saying that it is a game-changer for people with weak arms or arthritis. So, here are the 6 best retractable extension cord reels for you to consider:
Here are the best retractable extension cord reels you can buy in 2024:
- Lightweight: VIVOHOME Heavy-Duty 50-Foot Retractable Extension Cord Reel
- Best Budget Option: Black + Decker Retractable Extension Cord Reel
- Sturdy: Flexzilla Retractable Extension
- Easy To Mount: AmazonCommercial Extension Cord Reel
- Best For Indoor Use: Giraffe Retractable Extension Cord Reel
- Best For Outdoor Use: CRST Extension Cord Reel
| 6 Best Retractable Extension Cord Reels | ||
|---|---|---|
Lightweight | VIVOHOME Heavy-Duty 50-Foot Retractable Extension Cord Reel | |
Best Budget Option | Black + Decker Retractable Extension Cord Reel | |
Sturdy | Flexzilla Retractable Extension | |
Easy To Mount | AmazonCommercial Extension Cord Reel | |
Best For Indoor Use | Giraffe Retractable Extension Cord Reel | |
Best For Outdoor Use | CRST Extension Cord Reel | |
Lightweight: VIVOHOME Heavy-Duty 50-Foot Retractable Extension Cord Reel
- Lightweight & handy to use – 13.4 pounds of weight
- Weatherproof & durable - flame-retarded outer layer
- Wish the cord locking mechanism worked better
Those retractable extension cord reels that are well-made and sturdy generally tend to be very heavy. If you want something lightweight, handy to use, and high-quality, we recommend the VIVOHOME.
Engineered with an iron mounting base and PP case, it weighs 13.4 pounds.
But don’t let that fool you, this model has flame-retarded outer layer that can resist low temperatures, ozone, UV rays, flame, and so on.
It also can automatically turn off once detecting an open circuit or short-circuit for your safety, like most other retractable extension cord reels in this review list.
| VIVOHOME Heavy-Duty 50-Foot Retractable Extension Cord Reel Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | Polypropylene, Metal |
Gauge | 14/3 AWG |
Length | 50 ft. |
Outlets | Triple Tap Outlet |
Max Amps | 13A |
Highlight Features | 13.4 pounds of weight flame-retarded outer layer |
On the whole, the VIVOHOME Heavy-Duty 50-Foot Retractable Extension Cord Reel has the perfect balance of lightweight design and quality, making it one of our top picks for this year’s review list.
Best Budget Option: Black + Decker Retractable Extension Cord Reel
- 2x cheaper than most other retractable extension cord reels
- Reliable – CSA-certified design & 3-year warranty
- Come in handy whenever you want an outlet – 4 outlets & a 14AWG cable
- The cord is prone to spool off the reel
Whether you’re a budget-conscious shopper or do not like to spend much on a retractable extension cord reel, this model from Black + Decker is an ideal option for you.
It hits the perfect sweet spot of affordability and reliability, so you can buy with peace in mind.
While the price is nearly 2x cheaper than other counterparts that we tested out there, it’s backed by the manufacturer’s 3-year warranty as well as the design meets CSA safety standards. It also offers up to 4 outlets plus a 14AWG cable.
But take note there are still some certain drawbacks for a retractable extension cord reel at this incredibly low price point. A typical example is a cord that is prone to spool off the reel if you roll/unroll it too aggressively.
| Black + Decker Retractable Extension Cord Reel Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | Plastic & copper |
Gauge | 14AWG |
Length | 50 ft. |
Outlets | 4 |
Max Amps | 13A |
Highlight Features | 2x cheaper than most other retractable extension cord reels CSA-certified design & 3-year warranty 4 outlets & a 14AWG cable |
The Black + Decker Retractable Extension Cord Reel is the best budget option for people who want a cheap yet quality model and are also generous to some minor inconvenience.
Sturdy: Flexzilla Retractable Extension
- Sturdy – strong swivel mounting bracket & high-quality polypropylene case
- Offer spacious capacity - triple tap outlet
- Able to keep cord at desired length - adjustable cord stopper
- Wish it included mounting hardware
- The plugins are a little tight at first
Our next option is for those who want a very sturdy and easy-to-operate retractable extension cord reel.
The swivel mounting bracket works smoothly and holds up well while the case can resist sunlight, low temperatures, water, and oil. We also liked the triple tap outlet for spacious capacity as well as the handy adjustable cord stopper.
About safety, this model is UL listed, so rest assured!
| Flexzilla Retractable Extension Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | Polypropylene |
Gauge | 14/3 AWG |
Length | 50' |
Outlets | Triple Tap Outlet |
Max Amps | 13A |
Highlight Features | strong swivel mounting bracket & high-quality polypropylene case triple tap outlet adjustable cord stopper |
For those who want a retractable extension cord reel that is sturdy and lasts long, our favorite pick is the Flexzilla.
Easy To Mount: AmazonCommercial Extension Cord Reel
- Easy to mount – clear manuals & including a mounting bracket
- Perfect for further reach or larger workplace – 65’ cord length
- Heavy-duty
- The case material is a bit thin
- Heavy
This retractable extension cord reel is made for different uses: you can either transport it between off-site jobs or have it fixed in a wall of your workspace if wanted. It comes with a strong swivel bracket plus manuals – which is easy to mount.
Unlike the three above, the cord length of this model is up to 65 feet for larger areas.
But don’t worry, its retraction system is silky smooth and holds up well.
| AmazonCommercial Extension Cord Reel Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | Polypropylene |
Gauge | 12AWG |
Length | 65' |
Outlets | triple 3-prong outlets |
Max Amps | 15A |
Highlight Features | clear manuals & including a mounting bracket 65’ cord length |
Unlike some similarly-priced counterparts, the AmazonCommercial Extension Cord Reel comes with mounting hardware and clear instructions, making it very easy to mount.
Best For Indoor Use: Giraffe Retractable Extension Cord Reel
- Ultra-safe for kids and pets - Auto Guide System and Slow Retraction Technology
- Strong & quality - hard-impact spring-driven housing
- Easy to use at low light conditions - LED connector
- Heavy
This indoor retractable extension cord reel distinguishes itself from the rest for its top-notch durability. Thanks to the hard-impact spring-driven housing, it can prevent fading and wearing like a champ.
The cord meanwhile can also resist sunlight, water, oil, and low temperatures nicely.
We loved that its retraction system was added with Auto Guide System and Slow Retraction Technology for safety, especially for those families with pets and/or kids.
The LED connector, on the other hand, comes in handy for night use.
| Giraffe Retractable Extension Cord Reel Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | Polypropylene |
Gauge | 14/3 AWG |
Length | 50ft |
Outlets | 3 |
Max Amps | 13 amps |
Highlight Features | Auto Guide System and Slow Retraction Technology hard-impact spring-driven housing LED connector |
Designed with durability, safety, and convenience in mind, the Giraffe Retractable Extension Cord Reel is our top pick for indoor use.
Best For Outdoor Use: CRST Extension Cord Reel
- Easy to transport
- Able to work under extremes - high-strength materials
- Safe & dependable - UL-listed design
- The recoil could be stronger
The CRST Extension Cord Reel is recommended by the manufacturer for both indoor and outdoor use, thanks to the UL-listed design and high-strength materials.
It can work under extremes, including low temperature to -40 degrees F, acidic or alkaline conditions, water, and oil. It can be mounted on a wall within just 5 minutes or removed easily to transport between outdoor workplaces if needed.
The retraction system works smoothly and no tangled cord issues were found. Highly recommended!
| CRST Extension Cord Reel Specifications | |
|---|---|
Materials | Plastic |
Gauge | 13A/SJTOW |
Length | 55+4FT |
Outlets | triple-tap outlet |
Max Amps | 13A |
Highlight Features | high-strength materials UL-listed design |
If you’re on the fence about purchasing the CRST Extension Cord Reel for its wonderful outdoor performance, then don’t hesitate and do it!
How To Choose The Best Retractable Extension Cord Reel?
Casing
When it comes to the reel case, you should consider three elements: quality, compactness, and maneuverability.
It should be easy to carry about and not take up a lot of space.
Materials play a huge role in the quality of a retractable extension cord reel’s case. While cheap plastics may melt if exposed to high temperatures, polypropylene is more durable.
Number Of Outlets
Buying a multi-outlet cable reel may be recommended, which is acceptable if you simply want to use it at home.
On the contrary, power tools and work lights may rapidly overburden a single power cable. Do we want that? No! If you're a professional, we suggest investing in a thick-wired extension cable reel.
Amps
If you are just using the cord around your home, the rating of 125 volts or 15 amps is fine as they can handle any household tools and appliances.
But if you are a professional, don't regret investing in a contractor cord that is able to handle up to 300 volts.
Cord Length
When shopping for a retractable extension cord reel, the basic rule of thumb is to go for one that extends farther than your need. The flexibility of these cables makes them ideal for a wide range of applications.
While a longer cord reel offers more options and versatility, the price and bulkiness inevitably go up as well.
In the end, the length of the cable is entirely up to you. The usual distance is 50 feet. If you have a limited amount of room, you may go with the shorter option.
Which Brands Make The Best Retractable Extension Cord Reel?
VIVOHOME
If you want to get the most comfortable shopping and product experience, don’t overlook VIVOHOME. The brand distinguishes itself from the rest for strict quality controls, cutting-edge design, and high-quality materials, making its products extremely durable.
Black+Decker
This being one of the longest-standing manufacturers of fastening systems, home improvement products, and more – since 1910. By steadfastly focusing on customer needs, they are the favorite stop of worldwide shoppers.
Flexzilla
This is a registered trademark of Weems Industries, Inc. They are specializing in manufacturing various home improvement products, including retractable extension cord reels. With rich expertise in the industry, they easily stand out from the rest.
FAQs
Are extension cord reels safe?
Yes, they are. A retractable extension cord reel keeps just the amount of cable you need to be exposed, which helps reduce the chance of tripping.
How do you install a retractable cord reel?
To learn more about how to install a retractable cord reel, please watch this tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al22npEXn98
How does a retractable extension cord reel work?
The way a retractable extension cord reel works is to hold the whole cord length in an enclosed storage area by two rotatable wheels.
When you pull the cord, the ratchets lock automatically to keep the cable from rolling back to its original storage position.
What are some of the safety rules associated with the use of extension cord reels?
Here are some safety rules when using extension cord reels:
- Not overload the retractable extension cords
- Opt for a 3-prong plug cord
- Inspect the operations
- Make sure to choose the right cord length
- Pick the cord that meets your needs
Is a 16-gauge or 14-gauge extension cord better?
A 16-gauge extension cord is better to be used within 50’ of your outlet while a 14-gauge one is perfect for >50’ of the distance from your outlet or for a higher amp.
Conclusion
If cord-rolling/unrolling is the largest obstacle between you focusing on your work, we emphatically recommend investing in the best retractable extension cord reel so you can save lots of time and effort on your work. Thanks for reading!
