Buying guide for Best garden hoses
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
Each spring when I get ready for planting in the garden and cleaning around the exterior of my house, one of the first tasks I do is get the garden hose out of storage and connect it to the faucet. As someone who spends a lot of time gardening, washing cars and sprucing up the yard, having a reliable garden hose is a must. However, like anyone who has ever used a hose, I know the pitfalls of one that’s too short, kinks or leaks. That’s why it’s important to invest in one that’s suitable for your needs and built to last season after season.
Garden hoses come in different sizes and are made of various materials, so it can be challenging to find the perfect one to buy. Do you need one to water the garden in front of your house, or one that will reach to the limit of your property line? What about the connector diameter? And should you buy a classic rubber or vinyl hose or one that's made of collapsible materials? These are all questions I’ve asked myself when choosing a new garden hose, and ones our guide can definitely help answer.
After researching a wide range of options, we chose the Giraffe Tools Retractable Garden Hose Reel as the best for watering flowers, removing outdoor dirt and more. We also provide extensive information about this top seller and our other picks below, along with details and tips about this must-have outdoor essential.
Editors’ picks
Giraffe Tools Retractable Garden Hose Reel
Editors’ Favorite
Length: 130’, also available in 78’, 100’ and 155’ lengths | Weight: 28.4 lb | Material: Polypropylene
If you need a durable, kink-resistant garden hose with its own storage reel, this Giraffe Tools Retractable Garden Hose Reel is an unbeatable choice. Made of rugged polypropylene, the hose is both flexible and weather-resistant. After you’re done with your watering tasks, simply give it a tug — this activates a mechanism that retracts it automatically, so it’s neatly stored and ready for the next time you need it.
This hose has a half-inch diameter, which is suitable for numerous jobs and doesn’t use an excessive amount of water. It comes in a choice of four lengths. Also made of a strong plastic material, the reel is made to last and is simple to mount. What’s more, it has a quick-release system so you can lift it off the bracket when needed, such as if you want to take it indoors during the winter.
In addition to the hose with its reel, you’ll also receive a nozzle with nine spray patterns. Plus, the hose is backed by a 24-month warranty as well as easy-to-access customer support.
Flexzilla Garden Hose
Great Value
Length: 25’ (also available in 3’, 5’, 10’, 15’, 50’, 75’ and 100’ lengths) | Weight: 3.8 lb | Material: Hybrid polymer
The Flexzilla Garden Hose is a no-frills, affordable option that’s both lightweight and strong. It’s made of a hybrid polymer that does a good job staying kink-free during use. When kinks do occasionally happen, we find that they are easy to remove by simply tugging at the hose.
At a 5/8-inch diameter, this is a popular size that produces reliable water flow. When it comes to length options, there’s a versatile selection of sizes to choose from, including short and long lengths. For example, the 25-foot model is a popular choice for basic lawn and garden watering uses.
Strong, leak-resistant fittings make this one of the best garden hoses for the value price. Another reason we love it is the choice of bright colors that are easy to spot in the grass or soil.
DeWalt Professional-Grade Heavy-Duty Garden Hose
Most Durable
Length: 50’ and 100’ | Weight: 7.7 lb | Material: Polyurethane
From its extremely tough couplings to its rugged polyurethane hybrid polymer construction, the DeWalt Professional-Grade Heavy-Duty Garden Hose is built to last year after year. Made by DeWalt — a top name brand in tools — it’s made to resist weather, leaks and kinks for hassle-free use. What’s more, the material is reinforced to withstand up to 500 psi of pressure.
This hose has a 5/8-inch diameter, which works well for most consumers’ needs. The standard 50-foot model is a good choice for typical watering and cleaning tasks, but it’s also available in a a 100-foot option for a longer reach.
Another feature we appreciate is the tension sleeve that protects the connectors and provides a secure grip during use. The yellow and black design also looks nice and is easy to find.
Continental Premium Black Heavy-Duty Cold Water Garden Hose
Best 100-Foot Hose
Length: 100’, also available in 25’ and 50’ lengths | Weight: 19 lb | Material: Rubber
Made of reinforced rubber, the Continental Premium Heavy-Duty Cold Water Garden Hose is one you can use in various weather conditions. Not only does the material resist abrasions, leaks and kinks, but it’s designed to withstand a temperature range of -40 to 190 degrees. This keeps the hose flexible even in cold weather.
This hose has brass fittings that are durable and corrosion-resistant. It has a diameter of 5/8 inch, which works well for washing cars, hosing down driveways, watering plants and more. In addition to the popular 100-foot model that’s a good choice for heavy-duty jobs, it also comes in a choice of 25- and 50-foot lengths for those who don’t need an extremely long hose.
Consumers also love that this Continental garden hose is made in America. Additionally, it’s backed by a limited lifetime replacement warranty.
BIONIC STEEL 100-Foot Metal Garden Hose
Best Metal Hose
Length: 100’, also available in 10’, 25’, 50’, 75’ and 150’ lengths | Weight: 3 lb | Material: Stainless steel
A metal hose is a good choice for anyone who wants a weatherproof option. Available in numerous sizes, including a versatile 100-foot model, the Bionic Steel 100-Foot Garden Hose is crafted of strong stainless steel that won’t rust or corrode. With a 5/8-inch diameter and a 500 psi rate, it’s capable of handling heavy-duty chores where reliable water pressure is a must.
Resistant to kinks, this hose weighs just 3 pounds and is simple to move around objects. It’s highly flexible, too, which simplifies watering tasks. It includes sturdy aluminum fittings and has an on-off valve. Although it comes with a simple jet, mist and spray nozzle, it’s designed to be compatible with most on the market if you need one with more spray patterns.
Despite its length, this lightweight hose coils easily once you are finished using it. This makes it a cinch to wrap around a hose rack or place it in storage.
How we analyzed
After spending 26 hours analyzing 54 garden hoses, we narrowed down our list to include the best for our readers. In our research, we explained the different diameters and lengths, as well as the different types of couplings. We assessed the types of materials used to make garden hoses, factoring in the pros and cons of each. Customer feedback was also considered. Finally, we researched the prices of garden hoses, as well as tips for using them.
Garden hose diameters
If you’re concerned with water pressure in your outdoor work, the diameter of your garden hose plays a key role. The diameter is the measurement of the opening on the inside of the hose, and it determines how much water the hose can hold.
An empty hose with a smaller diameter weighs less than one with a larger diameter, and it’s easier to move and carry. However, a small-diameter hose may not be able to handle jobs where a lot of water is needed quickly.
The diameters available for garden hoses are as follows:
-
3/8 inch: These hoses aren’t commonly available. When they are, the manufacturer may label the product as a “coiled garden hose.” They’re designed for light-duty work and are available only in short lengths of less than 50 feet.
-
1/2 inch: These hoses excel at light-duty tasks like watering flowers or a small garden. Avoid purchasing ½-inch hoses with lengths of greater than 50 feet. The small diameter would not be able to generate enough water pressure to perform well at a longer length.
-
5/8 inch: The most common diameter for a hose is ⅝ inch. It works well for a large number of tasks, giving it plenty of flexibility for different usage patterns.
-
3/4 inch: This large-diameter garden hose can tackle heavy-duty tasks where high water pressure is required. The hose works well in lengths up to 100 feet. Note: it’s a heavy hose that some people find difficult to carry.
Garden hose lengths
Although it’s tempting to just buy the longest garden hose you can afford, this isn’t always the best idea. Longer hoses cost more than shorter hoses. This means you could be wasting money on a hose that’s longer than you actually need.
Additionally, a longer hose can be heavy to move, and it requires more storage space. What’s more, you may not receive adequate water pressure if you’re using a longer hose.
The standard available hose lengths are as follows —
-
25 feet: This length is best for areas around a deck or in a small garden near the water spigot.
-
50 feet: This length would suit a large garden near the water spigot or a medium-sized yard.
-
75 feet: Choose this length if you have a large yard where you need to move a sprinkler to numerous locations.
-
100 feet: We recommend this length for extremely large yards and locations where you have only one spigot. Make sure you have plenty of water pressure to use this length of hose.
Garden hose materials
The type of material used in the construction of a hose affects its durability and weight. Materials also determine the price of a particular hose.
Here’s a look at the most common materials found in garden hoses —
-
Vinyl: A vinyl hose typically weighs and costs less than hoses made from other materials. Consequently, it’s not as durable as other hoses. Some manufacturers reinforce the interior with a radial cord to try to strengthen it. Still, hoses made of vinyl tend to kink or crack more easily than hoses made of other types of materials.
-
Rubber: A rubber hose weighs more than other hose types. It’s a heavy-duty hose that can withstand tough environments under high water pressure or when using hot water. If you want to use a long-length hose, rubber is recommended.
-
Vinyl / rubber: A vinyl/rubber combination hose is a great “compromise” option with a mid-range price. It’s designed for an average workload.
-
Polyurethane: Hoses made of polyurethane are rare. This type of hose is often marketed as safe for drinking water. Humans and pets shouldn’t drink water from hoses made of rubber or vinyl; such hoses can leach lead or plasticizers into the water.
-
Nylon / collapsible: Also called an expandable garden hose, this type of hose collapses flat when no water is in it. When you connect it to a spigot and water flows through it, it expands to roughly three times its original size. To maintain the flexibility needed, this type of hose sports an outer layer of nylon. The inner tube that carries the water is typically made of elastic rubber.
Garden hose couplings
All hoses come with couplings — metal or plastic connectors that are attached to both ends of the hose. The type of couplings on your hose can affect how well it works for you.
If you choose a hose with cheap couplings that leak easily, you could end up wasting a lot of water. And if the coupling attached to the spigot on your house leaks, your home’s foundation could sustain expensive water damage over time.
Here’s a look at coupling types —
-
Plastic: Plastic couplings are the cheapest you’ll find on a garden hose. They’re prone to leaking, as it’s difficult to tighten them properly. Wide temperature variations can also cause them to crack. If you’re going to use a hose for watering the lawn all day, the risk of leakage of a plastic coupling is too great. But if you’re only using the hose for a couple of minutes per day, you could save some money on a plastic coupling.
-
Aluminum: An aluminum coupling is sturdier than a plastic coupling. However, because it’s made of thin metal, you could inadvertently bend it out of shape. Some aluminum couplings are round, while others have six sides, making them easier to twist on and off the spigot.
-
Brass: A brass coupling is the best type to use with a heavy-duty hose. You can identify a brass coupling because it often has an octagonal or hexagonal shape on its exterior. (This is not always the case, though; some brass couplings are round.) A brass coupling is thick, meaning it will hold its shape and last several years, even if you treat it roughly.
Tips
- Always drain your hose completely before storing it.
- A garden hose reinforced with mesh lining can handle high levels of water pressure.
- Some hose manufacturers will list the burst pressure of their products. Anything over 300 psi should be adequate for most uses at home.
- If you want an easy-to-carry hose for light-duty jobs, consider an expandable garden hose. But if you need a hose that can sustain high water pressure for long periods of time, consider a different material.
- Vinyl hoses are cheaper than other types, but they’re also less durable. You may wish to opt for vinyl if you need it only for light-duty tasks.
- Don’t let humans or pets drink from hoses made from vinyl or rubber, as dangerous chemicals could leak into the water stream.
- A soaker hose is one that contains small holes, where water drips slowly from the holes. It’s best used in small garden areas.
- Garden hoses constructed from polyurethane are safe to drink from and they’re extremely durable.
- Hoses made of a vinyl/rubber combination tend to fall in the “mid-range” in terms of price. If you don’t need the extreme durability of a rubber hose but want something better than vinyl, this could be the right material for you.
- If you must transport hot water through a garden hose, one made of rubber materials is best.
FAQ
Q. Is it dangerous to store a garden hose with water in it?
A. Storing or leaving a garden hose with water in it threatens both your health and the longevity of the hose.
-
Be aware that if you’re going to drink from the hose or give your pet a drink, the water stored in the hose could become contaminated with bacteria over time.
-
If you store a hose for the winter with water in it, the water could freeze. This could lead to cracks and other damage, thereby shortening the life of the hose.
-
Even if it doesn’t freeze in your area, water left inside a hose could draw insects. Ants may even try to build a nest inside the hose.
Q. How do I avoid having kinks in my garden hose?
A. Bending or kinking not only cuts off water flow, it also threatens the longevity of the hose. A kink that is allowed to persist can cause the bent area to wear out prematurely. This worn area could burst or crack under water pressure.
Hoses with less flexibility will kink less often. For example, as a hose that’s reinforced with a mesh layer resists kinks better than some other types. Garden hoses that are designed not to kink will be stiff, though, which can make them difficult to carry and coil.
Q. Are expandable garden hoses worth the money?
A. Expandable garden hoses work well for certain types of jobs. If you’re looking at a short hose for quick jobs, an expandable unit is a terrific option. It’s also great for carrying from spigot to spigot, because it doesn’t weigh much. And in its collapsed state, it’s easy to store.
Q. If my garden hose is leaking, do I have to replace it? Or can I fix it?
A. You might be able to fix a leaking garden hose, depending where the leak is occurring.
If a leak originates from a crack or puncture in the hose itself, it’s time to replace it. However, if the leak originates where the coupling attaches to the spigot or the sprinkler, inspect the coupling closely. If it is bent out of shape (even slightly) or has a crack, the leaking hose is probably not fixable. (You may be able to replace some couplings on heavy duty hoses, but this requires time, know-how, and expense.)
If you don’t see damage on the couplings, try replacing the washers. A flexible rubber washer will stop leaks. Some garden hoses ship with inflexible plastic washers that don’t work well. Pro tip: If the rubber washer is older than one year, replace it with a new one.
Our expertise
Jennifer Manfrin has been writing for BestReviews for nearly a decade. An avid gardener herself, she has covered everything there is to know on the topic, from choosing the right seeds for your region to finding the tools that make gardening a joy.
