Best cable reel UK
Which is the best cable reel in 2024?
VIEW OFFERBest of 2024: Find the right cable reel in the UK
If you are in search of the best cable reel, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices available. A good cable drum is a safe and practical addition to any toolkit, making it easy to extend the range of your devices without any annoying tangles. However, selecting the best cable reels is difficult for first-time buyers, as there is a surprising range of options available. You can find a great selection of quality cable drums at affordable prices without any stress by using this buying guide.
The 10 best cable reels in the UK (September 2024)
The bestseller list compares cable reels from multiple brands
- Versatility: 10 metre extension lead with 2-way extension for multiple devices.
- Safety: Safety cut out switch prevents overload, ensuring safe operation.
- Durability: Heavy duty cable ensures long-term use in demanding environments.
- Power: Delivers up to 3120 watts for efficient energy transfer.
- Safety: Built-in thermal cut-out protects against overheating.
- Reach: 18-meter cable provides ample reach for various applications.
- Safety: CE certified, includes handy reset button.
- Capacity: Provides 4 plug sockets.
- Length: 25 metre extension lead length.
- Capacity: 13A high amperage for demanding outdoor tasks.
- Safety: Thermal cut-out function to prevent overheating.
- Reach: Generous 5-meter cable length for various outdoor tasks.
- Safety: Thermal cut-out prevents overheating, with LED power indicator.
- Ergonomics: Pull-out handle for quick winding of high visibility cable.
- Performance: Professional's choice for portable power and innovation.
- Safety: Built to British Safety Standards with thermal cut-out to prevent fire risks.
- Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry around the house or office.
- Stability: Sturdy design ensures reliable and safe usage.
- Control: 4 individual switches, optimizes control for connected devices.
- Flexibility: 5-metre extension, maximizes reach and adaptability.
- Usability: Compact design, saves space, enhances convenience, simplifies tasks.
- Sockets: Includes 2 socket outlets for multiple device connections.
- Length: Comes with a 15-metre lead for extended reach.
- Capacity: Supports up to 13 amps fully unwound, 5 amps fully wound.
- Compactness: Lightweight and portable for easy movement and storage.
- Length: Offers a 5-metre reach for versatile indoor and outdoor use.
- Safety: Automatically shuts off if overheated, ensuring safety in use.
- Durability: Equipped with a winding handle and robust design to prevent tangling.
- Safety: Bright yellow cable increases visibility and reduces tripping hazards.
- Versatility: Suitable for professionals, DIY enthusiasts, and household use with multiple sockets.
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- Read the definitive cable reel buying guide
- View the cable reel picks and see how they rank in the top list
cable reel buying guide
Do you want to buy a good cable reel? This is all you need to know.
A short explanation: What are cable reels?
A cable reel is a type of spool that a power cable or extension cable can be wound around to ensure it is properly stored. The drum of the reel allows for several metres of cable to be safely stored while remaining easily extended to provide power, keeping it safe from damage and tangles. Some of the best cable reels come with surge protection to keep devices safe from power spikes.
What are the benefits of good cable reels?
An extension cable reel is very useful for those times when you need to reach an area with no power source nearby, such as the middle of a room rather than around the walls. By using the reel, you have a long extension cable that you can connect to the power supply and reach anywhere in the room, allowing you to easily power any devices and appliances. Furthermore, the best cable reels are very durable and long-lasting, providing an easy way to power things for many years to come.
How to choose the best cable reel in 2024?
Choosing the best cable reel isn’t always easy if you don’t know what to look for. Here are some things to consider:
- Cable Length: The length of the attached cable is important as it impacts the overall function of the reel. Shorter cables are generally more portable and suitable for use around the home, i.e. the power outlet is going to be closer. If buying a surge protected extension reel for use at home, then around 2m of cable length should be long enough for most people. Longer cable lengths are perfect for when the extension is further away, such as when working a project that requires tools in the garden or garage, in which case 20-50m cable lengths are ideal as they provide lots of freedom to move.
- Cable Management: A cable reel should offer better cable management, which helps prevent the cable from tangling, making it easier to use. This is a non-issue with self-retracting cable reels, which use a counterbalance spring to automatically reel in the cable.
- Durability: The best cable reels are built from strong, durable materials that ensure long-lasting quality, preferably something like nylon or polypropylene. Cheaper plastic and rubbers are prone to breaking so could let you down when you need them most, so always check the quality of the materials.
Which types of cable reels are available to buy in the UK?
Some of the most popular types of cable reel that are available to buy include:
- Wooden Cable Reels: This type of cable reel is made from plywood timber and is a popular choice for holding electrical cables, wires, and other lines. The wooden design features circular holes to feed the cable and prevent tangling, while two sides and a top can be nailed together for added strength and support.
- Plywood Cable Reels: A variation of the wooden cable reel, plywood cable reels are much the same as other wooden designs, with the main difference being the use of plywood timber rather than traditional softwood. This makes the cable lighter and easier to manoeuvre while also being very strong and durable.
- Steel Cable Reels: Steel cable reels are much different from any other type, with two steel flanges being connected with steel bars to create the overall reel. This makes the reel much stronger than any other type, although it is significantly heavier and therefore more expensive. The steel components can also be recycled, making it an eco-friendly choice also.