A reel (10) includes a reel drum (20) enclosed within a housing (11) comprising a first housing portion (12), a second housing portion (14), and a middle housing portion (16) positioned therebetween. A spindle member (22) has a first end (24) connected to the first housing portion (12) and a second end (26) connected to the second housing portion (14). The spindle member (22) extends through an opening (28) in the drum (20) so that the drum (20) is rotatable about a spindle axis defined by the spindle member (22). The middle housing portion (16) encircles the drum (20) and has an aperture (15) through which linear material (2) can extend, the linear material (2) of a type that may be spooled on the drum (20). The middle housing portion (16) is rotatable about the spindle axis independently of the drum (20). In preferred embodiments, the reel (10) is a cord reel and the linear material (2) is electrical cord. In preferred embodiments, the middle housing portion (16) is rotatable at least 360o about the spindle axis. In preferred embodiments, the drum (20) is powered by an electric motor (51). In preferred embodiments, the housing (11) is substantially spherical and the reel (10) further comprises one or more support structures (18, 19) that include handles (38) and are configured to prevent the housing (11) from contacting a flat surface such as a floor or wall. In preferred embodiments, one or more temperature-sensitive switches (102, 102A, 102B) are configured to shut off power to a spooled electrical cord (2) in the event that a temperature of the reel (10) exceeds a given threshold. In preferred embodiments, a solenoid (62) is provided for locking the middle housing portion (16) with respect to the first and second housing portions (12, 14) while the motor (51) is rotating in a direction to spool the linear material (2) onto the drum (20).