Best 10 Garden Hoses

Do you want to find a garden hose that will be neatly stored and tangle-free? How many times have you stumbled across yours so far? We know it is a common problem; this is why we bring you a list of our top choices on garden hoses. They are affordable, tangle-free, and you can rewind them for neat storage.  

In pursuit of finding the perfect one, we know there is a lot to learn about this handy tool for the garden. That’s why we did all the searching and comparing so you can simply choose the best garden hose for you in no time! We have tried to put it all in this article for your knowledge and consideration. 

So, keep reading to learn all you need to know about garden hoses and how to spot the ideal one for you easily! 

What to look for when Buying a Garden Hose

If you own a garden and are very fond of keeping it maintained, we believe that you will need some kind of garden gear over time, isn't it? A garden hose and other associated accessories such as hose reel, connectors, and top brands such as Hozelock, Gardena and others are essential for you to have. 

You cannot just buy the garden hose listed at the top of your search result page.  Here are a few notable features you need to bear in mind before purchasing any spray nozzle, garden hose or pressure tool:

1. Length

The garden hose pipe comes in different lengths, which is essential to consider based on your needs. It might feel tempting to buy a long 30m garden hose to fulfil all your gardening needs, but this should not be the case. A longer hose will cost you more and will also be heavier for you to handle over time. Plus, you will need a hose cart to carry it around, which is supposedly an add-on cost if you have a small garden. 

It is better to get a smaller one or a size that is suitable for watering your garden. It will not just cost you less but will be light for you to carry around. Moreover, easy storage concerns will also be attended to it. 

In case you have plans to expand your garden in the future, you can look for an expandable hose that can be attached with the best hose pipes and a spray gun at the end for broader use. It all comes down to the size of your garden and extra chores you need it to fulfil, like washing the windows or car. 

2. Water Flow

This is the second most important factor when you are buying a garden hose. Keep in mind the interior diameter if you want to avoid poor flow. Water flow is directly proportional to the hose diameter! The larger the diameter, the better the flow of the water. For the expandable garden hose types, ensure that the add-on pipes you buy are the same diameter for perfect fitting. Along with the diameter, also consider the hose’s width for adequate water pressure. 

3. Strength

Burst pressure is the specification that you will have to consider while you measure the strength of the water hose. The burst pressure should be around 350psi when you are using it with a nozzle or sprinkler. If you have a large garden, good pressure for the water is a must! So, look for this feature, especially if you own a big space. 

4. Flexibility

A flexible hose comes in hand if you want a space-saving option. The garden hose you choose might be flexible, but make sure it’s also kink-proof. Flexibility not only offers easy storage but also allows you to move comfortably around corners. 

Kinking needs to be avoided because it shortens the life of the hose by splitting it. Choose one that it's unlikely to get tangled. For flexibility, it is better to go for rubber or reinforced hoses. 

Types of Garden Hoses

There are various types of garden hoses based on their use, material and even weight. You might come across, other than the standard garden hose, the soaker hoses, hot water hoses, lightweight hoses, and so much more. Let’s look at some of the most common ones, to help you decide faster and more informed. 

1. Standard Garden Hose

Standard garden hose ranges between 10m to 30m. They are usually made up of rubber or vinyl that generally has about a 13mm diameter tube. These types of garden hoses are pretty flexible, but experiences wear and tear quite easily. They do not possess the industrial strength for heavy-duty applications. 

2. Soaker Garden Hose

A soaker hose is considered a good investment that is meant to help you do all your garden chores effortlessly. They are built to be flexible and usually come with a winding handle for ease. They need little water pressure, and over time, they might expand a little due to the pressure passing through them. Heat is its enemy! Excessive heat daily will damage the soaker hose. Therefore, avoid keeping in a place where it gets direct sunlight.

3. Expandable Hoses

There is a specific type of hose that literally expands! It requires a minimal storage space. They provide ease for rewinding when there is no water within them. Once the water flow is connected from the garden tap, they expand. 

They are light in weight and allow you to move around the garden easily. Today, it can be a better option for beginners as traditional ones are quite heavy as compared to it. There is no twisting and kinking hassle with this type of hose. 

4. Pico Reel-Type Water Hoses

Pico reel is a stylish yet helpful type of water hose that makes gardening a piece of cake. The Pico reel can be placed near the tap of your garden, and you can pull out the hose to the area of your garden that you wish to water. 

The reel hoses, once used, retract manually or automatically depending on the brand and model. They are available in different sizes so you can choose based on the area you need to cover in your garden. 

Which is supposedly the Best Material for Garden Hoses?

Do you wish to get the best material even with a low budget? If it is so, then we recommend going for vinyl made garden hoses. They are lightweight and are available in all types, whether you need a garden hose reel or a soaker type. But, there are drawbacks of vinyl types such as splitting, kinking, cracking and other issues over time.

Rubber is considered to be the best material for light-duty garden use. It is slightly more expensive than that of vinyl but comes with anti-kink, split-free and crack-free properties. Irrespective of the type you buy or the material you pick, one important thing that you must include at all costs is brass fittings. The use of solid brass fittings prevents the risk of blowing up. 

Are Stainless Steel Garden Hoses Better than Rubber Hoses?

For a garden hose the best choice is rubber. Why? Because they are more lightweight, durable and more affordable than stainless steel ones. The latter are also heavier and best for heavy-duty tasks. 

When it comes to life span, though, the steel hoses can last more than ten years as opposed to rubber that can last up to 5 years. If you want to use your garden hose for extra chores other than gardening, like washing the car or house windows, we recommend the rubber hose. They are more versatile; some are expandable and lightweight! 

What should be the Optimal Length of a Hose?

If you have a mini garden in your deck or balcony, then a 10m hose is enough to accommodate you. But, if you have a medium-sized garden, an average 20m hose would work best. In case you have a large garden and need a longer hose than 20m, you can find some that are as long as 30m. Take into account the size of your yard and the chores you need it for, and we are confident that you’ll choose the right one for the task. 

Will Water Pressure Be Affected by Length of Hose?

Yes, it will! A longer hose will make water come in contact with more surfaces, and as a result, it will have less water pressure. It is, also tougher to manoeuvre. When looking for the proper length of hose, you need to consider the size of your garden. Undoubtedly, a 10m hose will have more water pressure than a 30m hose, taking into account that the tap provides the same flow. 

To sum up...

Many top brands offer good quality hoses with a respective year warranty that you can choose from and have peace of mind. They have manufactured hose that ensures quality and efficiency. Whether you are looking for a wall-mounted reel, lead-free, auto rewind or others, you need to consider the above attributes before purchasing one. Along with hoses, you could also buy a wall bracket or mount, hose box, hose connectors and other such fitting accessories to add ease of operation and storage for your garden tools. 

Find here our top picks and our extensive buying guide, and we are certain that you will choose the best garden hose for you! Pick yours and happy gardening!