Many of you out there are probably chuckling to yourselves as you begin to read this article. After all, what’s the big deal about a garden hose? It’s just a long rubber tube that carries water to wherever you happen to need it. Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. While that attitude might have been correct in the past, of late, the average garden hose has come a long way. Hose manufacturers have been industriously working to lift your ordinary garden hose to new heights.
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Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nowadays, you can eliminate the aggravation of working with and storing a lengthy garden hose. Kinks and snags have been banished, and the garden hoses listed here greatly improve the ease with which you can do all of you watering tasks. Now, all that’s left for you to do is decide which one is right for you.
To assist you in this, we thoroughly researched the best products and brands currently obtainable on the market to aid you in selecting the ideal garden hose for the needs of your property.
1. Flexzilla Garden Hose, 5/8 in. x 100 ft., Heavy Duty, Lightweight — HFZG5100YW
- EXTREMELY FLEXIBLE - All weather flexibility
- EXTREMELY DURABLE - Abrasion resistant outer cover and crush resistant anodized aircraft aluminum fittings
- HYBRID POLYMER - Won't kink under pressure, coils easily and lays flat with zero memory
- LIGHTWEIGHT - Lighter than traditional garden hoses making Flexzilla easier to carry and maneuver around the yard
- LEAK FREE CONNECTIONS AND DRINKING WATER SAFE - A durable O-ring provides long lasting leak free connections and feature an inner tube material...
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This rubber hose will not get stuck in position, meaning that the rubber does not have ‘memory’. Anyone who has experienced this problem will agree that the Flexzilla Garden Hose, 5/8 in. x 100 ft, is a great buy. The pliability of this rubber material makes it easy to coil and uncoil, so that the job of storing it is made a whole lot simpler. Plus it retains this flexibility through all types of weather.
Another advantage this particular hose has is that while it is lightweight, moreso than many other garden hoses, it still remails very durable. This is thanks to the hybrid polymer material that it is made from, which has the additional benefit of ensuring that it won’t kink even when under full water pressure. All this plus it’s drinking water safe.
2. Teknor Apex, Neverkink, 8844- 100, PRO Water Hose, 5/8-in x 100-Feet
- Made with patented kink-proof NTS Reflex Mesh technology
- Remains flexible in temperatures as low as 45deg F
- MicroShield anti-microbial inhibitor guards against mold and mildew
- Power Coil collar eliminates kinking and ensures a maximum fit at the faucet
- Made with recycled materials
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Like all Neverkink products, the Teknor Apex, 8844 – 100, PRO Water Hose contains MicroShield, which is an anti-microbial that provides protection against mold and mildew. Super strong and made to remain kink free, while still remaining flexible. In fact, the manufacturers are so confident in their product’s ability to avoid kinks, due to their patented Reflex Mesh technology, that it is guaranteed not to tangle or kink. Furthermore, it can handle temperatures of down to 45 degrees F and still keep it’s flexibility.
This is a powerful hose that has great endurance and can be used for a variety of commercial chores. You can even power wash with this hose and it will work just fine. Use it for your toughest outdoor watering and cleaning chores and it will do the job, just be careful not to overwhelm shrubs or plants if you decide to use it for both your gardening and other duties. They always need a gentle touch.
Just keep in mind that this particular hose is not meant for drinking water use. There are potentially harmful chemicals present.
3. Water Right 400 Series Polyurethane Slim & Light Garden Hose, 25-Foot x 7/16-Inch, Olive Green
- Water Right is the Premier Manufacturer of Polyurethane Garden Hose in the world and we make the garden hose you've always wanted.
- The Water Right 400 Series is known for it's super slim, lightweight design, is made with long lasting, toxin-free polyurethane and utilizes only...
- The 400 series is easy to use, won't break or crack and remains flexible in all weather conditions
- Manufactured in the United States using UV stabilized, long lasting polyurethane resin
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If your primary concern is to have as much mobility as possible in your garden, then this hose will please you very much. The Water Right 400 Series Slim & Light Garden Hose is also lightweight due to its smaller diameter, making it a simple matter to take it anywhere in the garden that you choose. Furthermore, due to its lightness, it winds up easier than most hoses. It also has great water flow.
The water pressure will remain fairly low, but that shouldn’t be a problem when it comes to watering flowers or plants in the garden. If you need a general purpose hose, then simply get the larger version of this particular hose and you won’t be disappointed.
Moreover, it’s drinking water safe, so you can fill up your pet’s water bowl without being concerned.
4. Tardigrade Steel Hose – 50′ 304 Stainless Steel Garden Hose
- Tardigrade Steel Hose - 304 Stainless Steel Garden Hose - Compare it to other as seen on tv products - Our metal garden hose is Lightweight,...
- RESILIENT FLEXIBLE DESIGN, NO KINK GARDEN HOSE – Tardigrade Steel Hose is flexible enough to keep working in any condition and will never...
- PUNCTURE AND ANIMAL PROOF – Puncture Proof, Weather Proof, Thorn Proof, Dog Proof, Kink Proof, Leak Proof, Tear Proof, Weather Proof – The...
- METAL, LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT – Great for lawn sprinkler system. Our quick connect garden hose allows for a consistent, steady and...
- LENGTH SIZE: 50 feet of metal garden hose, providing ample reach for watering, cleaning, and various outdoor tasks.
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The founders of Tardigrade Steel Hose had one aim when they started their business — to make the best stainless steel garden hoses that have ever been created in the world. That’s why you can depend upon their exceptionally high standards when it comes to the Tardigrade Steel Garden Hose. This hose is resilient, durable, rust-proof, and flexible too.
Ever have the perfect hose, only to find that your dog thought it was the perfect toy and bit holes in it when you weren’t looking? Well, the Tardigrade Hose is not only puncture proof, but animal proof as well. And because it’s made of metal, it’s lightweight and compact, making it great for your lawn sprinkler too. However, it can also surprise you with its hidden power. This is a seriously heavy duty hose that provides tons of pressure, making it ideal for washing your car, or pressure cleaning your home. A really one hose fits all deal.
Everyone wants the convenience of having just one hose that will meet all their needs, without having to resort to using two or even three different ones. Which takes up room and makes cleanup not very appealing when you have to start winding them all up again. This is the hose you need. It won’t disappoint you.
5. Nifty Grower 100 ft Garden Hose — New Expandable Water Hose With Double Latex Core 3/4″ — With Storage Bag For Easy Carry
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Don’t be alarmed when you first go to use the Nifty Grower 100 ft Garden Hose because it is only 34 feet long, but just turn the water on and watch it expand to the advertised 100 feet, which is actually three times its size.
This garden hose is guaranteed leak-proof, and made from extremely durable top-notch materials. Just make sure that your water pressure is 40-80 psi, or higher. That is what normal residential water pressure is. If you have water pressure that is lower than that, you may have a problem getting the hose to expand to its full length and width.
The hose is flexible with amazing durability and can withstand some pretty tough abuse. You also get a 100% money back guarantee up to 30 days, and a free bag to store the hose in when you are finished using it.
6. Melnor 65061 — AM 50′ Flat Soaker Hose With 2 Washers Set
- Extremely flexible and versatile - it gets water right where you want it! You can place it above ground or under a thin layer of soil or mulch....
- Easy connection - included rust-resistant end cap allows multiple hoses to be connected together
- Flattens for easy storage - the compact design dripper only takes up About 0. 05 ft³
- 2 Extra washers included for a leak-free seal
- Backed by a Melnor 2-Year Limited . Melnor stands behind its products. N
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This porous hose is very flexible and easy to maneuver. There’s no doubt that when you use the Melnor 65061 — AM 50′ Flat Soaker Hose you’ll have no trouble getting water to the exact location you want it. This makes for a truly great soaker hose, being made of long-lasting rubber that maintains elasticity, yet will easily become flat when you’re ready to store it. Easily slip under shrubs and can be covered with dark soil or black mulch to blend in perfectly while it continues to do its job. No more unsightly hoses lying about taking away from the beauty of your yard or garden.
Multiple hoses can be connected together. Furthermore, you get two extra washers to ensure a leak-free seal. Sturdy and reliable, this is one soaker hose that won’t fall to pieces. Melanor 2-Year Limited guarantee.
7. Gilmour 2-In-1 Sprinkler/Soaking Hose, Green, 50 Feet
- Power Source Type: Manual
- Consistent gentle spray
- White stripe indicates proper positioning
- Full-flo brass couplings for unrestricted water flow
- Lightweight and flexible for easy handling
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A handy and versatile soaker hose, the Gilmour 2-in-1 Sprinkler/Soaking Hose is made of reinforced vinyl to strengthen it so that it can endure quite a lot and will avoid warping due to prolonged exposure to the sun, plus other damage that results from the weather. There’s also a white strip that assists with correct positioning when trying to attach the hose to the faucet, and full-flow brass couplings that provide uninhibited water flow.
Because this 50-ft hose dispenses water through three parallel tubes, it gives an even spray, unlike other hoses which might saturate one area of the garden, while leaving the other only slightly dampened. Discovering this problem can be frustrating and aggravating and we’ve all been there. Comes with a limited lifetime guarantee. Excellent sprinkler hose.
8. Zero-G 4001 – 100 Garden Hose, 5/8″ x 100′, Gray
- 50% lighter weight compared to commercial vinyl hose.The hose does not retract or expand. Max Feed Water Temperature (Fahrenheit):80Flexible and...
- Jobsite tough - abrasion, leak & puncture resistant with burst rating of 600+ psi
- Kink-resistant, easy to maneuver, drinking water safe & lead free
- Does not expand or retract, guaranteeing an uninterrupted and high water flow Rate
- Assembled in USA
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Zero-G 4001 – 100 Garden Hose weighs 50% less than commercial vinyl hoses and is great for maneuvering around your garden or pool. Kink-resistant, it will not expand or retract, which ensures a high water flow rate that remains uninterrupted, and easy handling. You won’t have to battle to the death with this hose to maneuver it wherever it’s necessary for it to go.
The beauty of this hose is that it can be used for all your garden and lawn needs, as well as any light professional needs you may have. It’s really quite versatile, which is one of the crucial things about any garden hose. You want it to be able to handle several different jobs without rupturing or puncturing. This hose can do that with ease. It’s designed to be sturdy and stay flexible even in cold weather up to 35 degrees F, so it will be long-lasting too.
Buying Guide For Best Garden Hoses
Buying a garden hose isn’t something that should be rushed into. While it seems an easy enough matter on the surface, those in the know, such as dedicated gardeners, realize that there are many things to take into consideration before you purchase a garden hose. There are times when an ordinary, plain old garden hose will do, and times when you require an all-purpose hose to meet your needs. You need to thoroughly analyze the situation before proceeding.
Here are some of the factors you should consider before you make that final garden hose purchase.
Types of Garden Hose
There are a wide variety of garden hoses out there. You have flexible hoses, coil hoses, expandable hoses, and garden hoses that are drinking water safe.
Flexible Hose
These normally are made of vinyl or rubber material due to the fact that they are pliable. A flexible hose is generally thin and light, plus being adaptable, all of which make it easier to control and guide. A flexible hose consists of an inner tube, inner fortification, and a protective cover for the outside. It should be durable enough to be dragged past trees and other obstacles without easily tearing, and have enough water force to reach all plants and flowers.
Expandable Garden Hose
Expandable hoses are lighter than all other hoses, including a flexible hose. They expand once water begins to flow through the tube. When the water is shut off and drained out of the hose, it then returns to its original size.
Garden Soaker Hose
A Garden Soaker Hose is sometimes referred to as a garden sprinkler hose. This is a perforated hose which permits water to glide through it, thus watering plants, flowers, and shrubs slowly without wasting water. It is usually the most useful when the garden or yard is at ground level.
Coil Garden Hose
This type of garden hose is lightweight and made in the form of a tight spiral. A coil hose expands and retracts automatically without any kinks. Easy to handle and store. You will get the most from it by using it on a balcony or patio.
Drinking Water Hose
Certain garden hoses are made for safe drinking water use. Whether or not this feature is present depends on what type of inner tube material the hose is constructed from. The chemical from the hose can mix into the water, so not all hoses are safe to drink from. If you want to find out if your hose is drinking water safe, check the manufacturer label and it will tell you.
Measurement
The amount of water that enters the hose and flows through it depends upon the diameter of the hose. This is the width of the hose. If the diameter is too large for the pressure or water flow, this can create a problem.
For example, a small garden would normally require using a hose about 25 feet in length maximum. On the other hand, a larger landscape garden could require a hose to be 50 feet in length. Naturally, there are hoses longer than 50 feet, but these can be hard to manage and store.
Material
The lightest and easiest to store hoses are made of vinyl, but while they may be less difficult to move around, they aren’t as long-lasting or sturdy as other types of hoses.
There are two basic types of material used to make garden hoses. Rubber and vinyl.
Rubber
Also, Rubber is popular for garden hoses because it is one of the longest-lasting types of hose available. Additionally, a rubber hose can be used for both hot and cold water. It’s also better able to withstand kinks.
The big disadvantage of rubber is that it is susceptible to UV damage, and it is suggested that you avoid keeping this type of hose in direct sunlight for extensive periods of time.
Furthermore, since rubber is denser than vinyl, it is harder to move around your yard and garden without having to coil it.
Vinyl
A vinyl hose is lighter than a rubber one, so you can move it about your garden easier. Vinyl hoses are almost entirely made up of foam or mesh. It should not be in direct sunlight for too long because it cracks and deteriorates easily.
Moreover, vinyl hoses lack the durability of rubber hoses and are prone to tangle. If you don’t intend to use it often, then you should get a vinyl hose. Also, they cost less than rubber hoses, so if that is an issue, then it is a good idea to purchase a vinyl hose.
Stainless Steel
This type of hose is ideal for being used outdoors. Within the steel is enclosed a rubber hose that gives it resistance to bursting. You are able to use either cold or hot water with it because it is made to endure extreme temperatures. Plus it is UV resistant, so the sun will not harm it and the color will not fade.
Yet another advantage to a stainless steel hose is that it will not crack, rust, or be easy to puncture. It will also coil without any difficulty.
Flexibility
The perfect garden hose is one that is flexible but does not kink or snag easily. Constant kinking will shorten the lifespan of the hose.
Length
The nice thing about today’s hoses is that they come in an array of sizes, from as little as several feet right on up to 100 feet. Of course, the longer the hose is, the further you’ll be able to reach, but keep in mind that a longer hose also means there’s more tubing for you to store.
Couplings
For those of you who might not know, couplings are the pieces which are fastened to sprinklers, spigots, and nozzles. The word coupling indicates the point where a hose attaches to its water supply. There are two options: plastic, which is easier to handle, but has less endurance, and brass, which is more durable and will last longer.
Plastic Couplings
If at all possible, avoid plastic couplings. They break more easily, and develop cracks and leaks. Because they are rather delicate and will break quickly, you cannot tighten plastic couplings. It’s also not a good idea to leave them out in the sun for long periods of time.
Metal Couplings
These are made from brass, but some of them are chrome plated. They are of an octagonal shape to make it possible to turn the coupling with a wrench. They are the most long-lasting and leak resistant of the types of couplings.
A large octagonal coupling is recommended for those who have arthritis, or any problems with hand or finger movement.
Stamped metal couplings are much less common than the others, easy to bend and hard to tighten onto the spigot, plus they will definitely break with continued use.
Diameter
When choosing a garden hose people frequently forget to take diameter into consideration. Since the diameter of your hose determines not only how much water you can get wherever you need it, but how powerful the stream of water will be, this is an important factor. Garden hoses have inside diameters of 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, and 3/4 inch. When determining what diameter hose is best for your needs, keep in mind that the most commonly purchased garden hose is the 5/8 inch.
Safety
In order to avoid accidental ingestion of chemicals, especially if you have small children around, make sure that your hose is drinking water safe. Don’t just assume that every hose is because that simply isn’t true. And take care with your pets too. Don’t fill up your pet[‘s water bowl before checking to make sure the water is safe and chemical-free.
FAQ
Summary
Garden hoses are a necessary part of spring and summer. But, unfortunately, they don’t come one-size-fits all. There isn’t one type of hose that’s ideal for everyone. You need to determine which type of hose will work best for you by taking into account what you’ll be using the hose for, where you’ll store it when you’re done using it, as well as the size of the area where you’ll be using it.
You will need one hose for watering your flowers and a medium-sized farm, and another if the main purpose is to water a few flowers and fill the kiddie pool. Be sensible when you buy. Bigger isn’t always better. The right size is what matters.
Also, if you are the kind of person who likes to take a drink from your hose when you’re outside on a hot day, it’s highly recommended that you get a hose that’s designated marine, boat, or recreational. This is because they have a plastic lining that makes them safe for drinking from. The chemicals found in standard garden hoses are frequently toxic.
We have two other guides if you are after something a little different Best Kink Free Garden Hose and Best Expandable Garden Hose.
Since garden hoses come in many types and sizes and have varying features on them, the decision might not be an easy one. Do some online research and determine which type of hose will be best for you in terms of diameter, length, materials, etc. Also, take into consideration your budget. That’s the only way to avoid making costly mistakes. With a little luck and some research, you should be able to purchase a garden hose that will meet your requirements and serve you well for years to come.