A hose is a hose right?
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As you begin your search for garden hoses, you may think the answer to this question is a simple yes.
I would make the argument that while shopping for garden hoses is not rocket science, you still need to take into account important factors like durability, weather tolerance, budget, and length.
After spending too much time in stores and researching online, I have developed the 10 Best Garden Hoses.
The garden hoses listed below are organized by one of the most important decision factors for purchasing a hose: length
Why Use a Garden Hose?
This may seem like a simple question with a simple answer.
And it is.
The number 1 reason consumers give for using a garden hose is efficiency and time-savings.
Using a garden hose makes watering the garden, the dog, and the car much easier, quicker, and cost-efficient than any other method.
Also, using the right garden hose can make watering even the toughest areas possible.
Garden hoses can reach lengths that other watering tools cannot, can fit in tight corners and spaces, and can be transported easily between locations.
Types of Garden Hoses
A little known fact among gardeners is that there is not just one type of garden hose.
There are over 10 types of garden hoses, but this article will focus on the 7 most popular hoses used by gardeners.
Light-Duty Hose
The light-duty hose is one of the most popular hose types on the market.
This type of hose is made of vinyl, has plastic fittings, and is one of the most inexpensive hoses on the market.
I recommend purchasing this type of hose for anyone who wants a hose under 50 feet and would like to store it in their garage during the offseason.
Heavy-Duty Hose
The heavy-duty hose is also one of the most popular hose types on the market.
This type of hose is made of heavy-duty rubber, has stronger plastic fittings, and is more expensive than other types.
I recommend purchasing this type if you need a hose over 50 feet and would like to store it outside in hot or cold temperatures.
Expandable Hoses
Expandable hoses are hoses that can grow up to 3 times its non-water size.
This type of hose is lightweight and typically has a hose diameter of 1/2 inch.
If you are looking for an easy to store and move hose then this will be your favorite gardening product.
Drinking-Water Hose
When most gardeners think of a hose they think about the kinds they ran through and drank water out of growing up.
The drinking-water hose is this type.
Drinking-water hoses are BPA free, lead-free, and phthalate-free. This type of hose is made of non-toxic materials and is a great multi-purpose product.
Soaker-Hose
A soaker hose is a perfect hose used for automatic irrigation.
This type of hose is made of recycled rubber and plastic and has porous walls.
Most gardeners place soaker hoses on the ground and even bury them for efficient watering.
Coiled Hose
Coiled hoses look like a coiled snake when you take them out of the package.
This type of hose forms into a tight spiral that is easily stored when not in use.
While it can be trickier to use than other types of hoses, it is a great option for anyone who has little storage and/or needs a hose for a very small area.
Flat Hose
Flat type hoses are similar to the hoses you see fireman use.
When not in use this type of hose is flat, but as soon as it inflated with water it expands into a round shape.
This is another great type of hose for anyone who is lacking storage space but also needs a longer hose.
Garden Hose Considerations
Although purchasing a garden hose should be quick and easy there are certain features that you want to be aware of to ensure the highest likelihood of success.
Garden Hose Length
Garden hose length was ranked as the most popular feature gardeners look for when purchasing a hose.
These hoses come in lengths of 25, 60, 75, and over 100 feet.
It should be noted that larger isn’t always better. The larger the hose the heavier and more expensive it is. Also, larger hoses require more storage space and are more difficult to drain.
The best way to determine what length hose you need is to measure the furthest point you will need it from your watering source.
25-foot hoses are perfect for patios. 50-foot hoses are a great option for urban areas. And 100+ foot hoses are a great option for large gardens and small farms.
Hose Diameter
The hose diameter is one of the most important features of a hose but is also the most underrated.
Hose diameters come in sizes of 3/4 inches, 5/8 inches, and 1/2 inches.
The bigger the diameter of the hose the more water it carries.
Large diameter hoses are heavier but less likely to burst. These large diameter hoses are great options for washing cars, driveways, and large gardens.
Small diameter hoses are great for patios, small containers, and washing your dog.
Hose Material
Hose material is another important feature of a hose if you are concerned about how long the hose will last.
Basic vinyl hoses are the least expensive, most lightweight, and yet the least sturdy. This type of hose is more likely to split and crack and can quickly degrade if exposed to the weather.
Rubber hoses are the strongest and longest-lasting but are also the most expensive. They are also heavy but resists cracking and weather. Best of all is that they can carry hot water efficiently.
Reinforced Hoses are reinforced with mesh lining between vinyl and rubber, making it more resistant to splitting and fraying. If you are looking for a hose that can take high-pressure levels then look for this material.
Strength
The strength of a hose should be simple.
Never purchase a hose that has a burst pressure below 350 psi. Anything below this means you will be replacing your hose yearly.
Flexibility
If you plan on using your hose in tight spots or around corners then flexibility should be a determining factor in the type of hose you buy.
Typically, expandable, flat, and light-weight hoses are your best option for flexibility.
Couplings
Couplings are another great feature to look for to help minimize problems and increase durability.
The coupling is the part of the hose at the end that attaches to spigots, sprinklers, and nozzles.
No matter what type of hose you buy, I recommend making sure it does not have a plastic coupling. Plastic couplings easily crack and break causing your hose to be useless.
Instead, I recommend purchasing a hose with a metal (brass) coupling. This type of coupling is the most durable, is the least proof, and will not crack.
25-Foot Hoses
1. Flexzilla Garden Hose ($25)
If you are looking for a garden hose that
This 25-foot hose has it all; durability, weather resistance, and flexibility (all for under $25).
The Flexzilla is made of hybrid polymer material that allows the hose to stay light, but not light enough to burst under the pressure of water.
In addition, this material is crush and abrasion-resistant. You won’t have to worry about needing a new hose every time you scrape it.
Another great perk is that you can use it in late fall or early winter. Pair this with rarely getting tangled and you have yourself an excellent choice for a garden hose.
- Length – 25 feet
- Diameter – 5/8 inches
- Material – Flexible-hybrid polymer material
- Strength – 500 psi
2. Giraffe Garden Hose ($25)
What is one of the biggest frustrations of garden hoses?
Having to buy a new hose every year because it just isn’t durable enough.
The Giraffe Garden Hose solves this problem.
This hose is made wit hybrid rubber and plastic material.
The Giraffe Garden Hose is tested tough. It holds up to burst strength and is kink and abrasion resistance.
What sets this hose apart from its competitors is that it is incredibly easy to use and can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Length – 25 feet
- Diameter – 5/8 inch
- Hybrid rubber and plastic material
- Strength – 150 psi.
3. Camco Drinking Water Hose ($10)
If you are looking for a durable, affordable hose then you have found it with the Camco Drinking Water Hose.
The Camco Drinking Water hose is the perfect drinking water hose for all consumers, including gardeners.
This product is made with NSF certified hose making it the most drinking water safe hose on the market.
The hose itself is made with reinforced max kink resistance and PVC that is BPA free.
What sets this hose apart from competitors is that it is easy to connect to any spigot and is one of the few hoses that are made in the USA.
- Length – 25 feet
- Diameter – 5/8 inch
- Material – PVC & reinforced rubber
- Strength – 100 psi
50-Foot Hoses
4. Hospaip Expandable Hose
For your average consumer and gardener, 25-foot and 100-foot garden hoses tend to be too small or large.
If you are someone who wants an
The Hospaip Expandable Hose has to be my favorite hose on this post.
To start it has the durability of your traditional hoses, while still maintaining the flexibility of latex hoses.
What gives this hose the best of both worlds is the polyester fabric cover that protects a double latex inner tube.
Simply stated, you can get around tight corners and difficult spots without needing a new hose every year.
In addition, this hose comes with 3/4 inch brass that reduces leaks, tears, and cracks.
I cannot tell you how many times I have had to return a hose or purchase numerous hoses because of small leaks and cracks that end up forcing me to spend more time shopping and less gardening.
Finally, this hose comes with a nozzle that has 8 patterns to meet all your needs from watering trees to vegetable seeds to even your “farm” dog, Sequoia.
I literally have no complaints about this hose and even the price of $40 is reasonable.
- Length – 50 feet
- Diameter – 3/4 inch
- Material – Aluminium and ABS Rubber with double latex core
- Strength – 600 psi
5. Gilmour Flexogen Super Duty Garden Hose
If you are a bull in a china shop like me you need products that are durable. And when I say durable I mean almost unbreakable.
Out of all 5 garden hose recommendations, the Gilmour Flexogen Super Duty Garden hose is as durable as it gets.
This hose is made with not 1, not 2, not even 3 layers, but an astounding 8 layers of nylon. This makes it one of the longest-lasting hoses out there.
Whether you are rubbing this hose constantly or you are just rough with your products the 8 layers will make this the last hose you ever need.
In addition, this hose contains crush-resistant brass and stainless steel springs that prevent leaks, cracks, and weathering in a hose’s most vulnerable spot, the spigot.
Not only this, but Gilmour is so confident in their product that they offer a lifetime replacement policy.
What more can you ask for from a hose?
- Length – 50 feet
- Diameter – 5/8 inch
- Material – Rubber, 8 layers of latex and polymer
- Strength – 600 psi
6. Worth Garden Hose ($30)
By now you can tell all of the best garden hoses have hose features that set them apart from competitors.
What Worth company has that no other company can offer is a 12-year guarantee and one of the best customer service departments in the industry.
Also, this is the perfect hose for any contractor, gardener, or commercial worker.
This hose has anti-kink technology. This means that it is made of high-quality non-twist PVC and rubber material.
You should expect no rusting or leaking from this hose for its entire life and can withstand temperatures down to -60 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Length – 50 feet
- Diameter – 3/4 inch
- Material – Non-twist PVC and Rubber
- Strength – 450 psi
100-Foot Hose
7. Gilmour Pro Commercial Hose ($55)
While researching the best garden hoses, I walked around numerous garden and hardware stores.
One trend I noticed in all stores is that
The reason?
Your average gardener and consumer do not have a need for such an expensive long hose.
For the rest of us though that have gardens that are easily 100 feet from our houses the
The Gilmour Pro Commercial Hose was built for manufacturing and commercial use with its double-reinforced rubber and vinyl construction but it is the only hose you’ll need to buy for long-distance watering at your home or even at a farm.
Unlike the Gilmour Flexogen Super Duty Hose that is durable, but not flexible, the Gilmour Pro Commercial Hose was made to meet the needs of construction sites where flexibility is essential.
Add Gilmour’s lifetime warranty and this hose is worth the price of $55!!!
- Length – 100 feet
- Diameter – 3/4 inch
- Material – Double-reinforced rubber and vinyl
- Strength – 400 psi
8. Teknor Pro Hose ($30)
The Teknor Pro Hose is a great option for anyone who is worried about mold and mildew.
This 100-foot hose has microshield technology to prevent mold and mildew from contaminating the water.
Not only that but it is guaranteed not to kink and is made of industrial, heavy-duty gauge power coil.
And unlike other competitors, this hose is able to stay flexible in temperatures well below freezing.
- Length – 100 foot
- Diameter – 5/8 inch
- Material – Reflex Mesh
- Strength – 500 psi
9. Monyar Garden Hose ($45)
There are very few durable and reliable expandable hoses that are 100 feet long.
The Monyar Garden Hose is one of the only expandable 100-foot garden hoses I recommend.
This hose is lightweight, yet made of some of the most durable material for expandable hoses. It comes built with double latex core, meaning you won’t have to worry about carrying a heavy hose anymore.
Also, this product is incredibly easy to store and takes only minutes to shrink.
Best of all, this hose has brass connectors, a valve, and a 10 gauge nozzle.
- Length – 100 feet
- Diameter – 3/4 inch
- Material – Double latex
- Strength – 100 psi
100+ Foot Hose
10. Eley Drinking Garden Hose ($280)
$280 for a garden hose?
Don’t let the price tag scare you away. You can either buy a new hose every year or buy one that will last you a lifetime.
The Eley Drinking Garden Hose is 200 feet long, one of the longest hoses on the market.
And this hose comes with all the features you will ever want.
This hose is made of polyurethane that is crush-proof, kink-free, and provides full-flow.
It is made in the USA, has lead-free brass fittings, and has an incredible 10-year warranty.
Best of all is that it can withstand temperatures as low as -40 Fahrenheit and as high as 165 Fahrenheit.
This is the only hose you will ever need for large gardens!
- Length – 200 feet
- Diameter – 5/8 inch
- Material – Polyurethane
- Strength – 500 psi
How to Care for Your Garden Hose
Using one of the best garden hoses is easy. All you have to do is take the hose out of the package, hook it up to the spigot, turn on the water and you are all set.
Caring for one of the best garden hoses takes a little bit more time, but is essential to its longevity.
If you want your garden hose to have a long life there are four main actions you will need to do:
- Keep your hose out of sunlight. Even the best hoses can wear from UV rays
- Drain your hose after every use. Water contains minerals that over time will deteriorate your hose
- Use a nozzle to prevent dirt and bacteria from getting into your hose
- Store your hose indoors during the winter to help prevent cracking and fraying.
If you want even more garden hose caring ideas then I recommend watching the below short video:
Buy THESE Garden Hose Accessories
Once you have bought the best garden hose you may be interested in purchasing the best garden hose accessories to make using your hose easier and quicker.
If you want to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your garden hose then I recommend purchasing the following accessories:
Ames Hose Reel – If you purchase a non-expandable hose you are going to need a reel to help keep your hose organize and to prevent tangling.
Green Mount Nozzle – Some garden hoses don’t come with nozzles. If this happens with your garden hose then purchase the best nozzle in the world!
Melnor Sprinkler – If you do not want to personally water your garden then I recommend buying a sprinkler to make life easier and more efficient.
2wayz Hose Splitter – If you need more than one hose in a certain area then a hose splitter is exactly what you need to help expand your watering capabilities.
Tips for Buying a Hose
- I recommend purchasing your hose from Amazon. Fast delivery, great customer service, and some of the best prices around make this one of the best stores out there. If you happen to purchase a hose from Amazon, please use the links above. At no cost to you, the providers may give a small portion of the sale to me which allows me to keep this site running in the most effective way possible.
- Determine the length you really need. You may be thinking this is so simple it shouldn’t be listed, but I have seen one too many of my readers purchase too long or too short of hoses causing frustration, loss of time, and loss of money.
- Do you want durability or flexibility? It is pretty rare to have both. If you have tights spots to fit around flexibility will be key. If you don’t want to buy a new garden hose every other year durability is the way to go.
- Most garden hoses come with nozzles and storage bags and are right around the same price. With that being said don’t purchase a hose without a nozzle. When it comes to this garden tool you don’t need to spend any more money than you have to.
Now What?
If you are a beginner gardener or avid hobbyist, I recommend reading my other articles that can help put you and your garden in the best position possible.
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