Will a hose reel survive winter outdoors?

Reviewers consistently warn that any reel with water left in the hose or fittings can freeze and burst. The common advice across communities is to drain the hose and, for retractable units, bring the reel indoors over winter to extend its lifespan. Steel and aluminum reels with rust-resistant coatings handle outdoor exposure better than plastic, but draining is recommended regardless of material.