Best Garden Hose Nozzles 2018 – Buyer’s Guide

Finding the right nozzle for your garden hose can be a difficult and irritating process. Hoses are used for a wide range of watering needs from keeping your garden hydrated and lush to washing your car. Different projects require varying spray patterns and pressure.

If you have ever attempted to run your garden hose without a specialized nozzle, you understand that it’s nearly impossible to accomplish anything productive.

With so many options available, finding the perfect model for your specific needs to turns into a nightmare. Luckily, we have collected and tested the best garden hose nozzles available. We have also crafted a handy guide to help explain the important features and specifications so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.

Selecting the Best Garden Hose Nozzles 2018

1. Gardenite Heavy Duty 10 Pattern Metal Watering Nozzle : Most Versatile Option

The Gardenite Heavy Duty 10 Pattern Metal Watering Nozzle packs a heavy-duty punch.

Featuring a robust solid metal with a baked enamel finish, this option was built to withstand heavy use.

Our testing team loved the ergonomic rubber handle which keeps hands from growing tired during use.

2. Bon-Aire HN-10C Original Ultimate Hose Nozzle : Best for Areas Prone To Drought

The Bon-Aire HN-10C Original Ultimate Hose Nozzle is crafted from stainless steel and fiberglass, making it rustproof, leak resistant.

It’s also one of the most comfortable nozzles to use, so your hands won’t grow tired during longer watering sessions.

This item is also easy to use and maintain.

3. ikris Garden Hose Nozzle : Best All Around Option

The iKris Garden Hose Nozzle features a solid metal construction with a baked enamel finish.

A soft rubber grip keeps hands comfy during use.

It’s rust resistant so that it will be a long-lasting addition to your gardening tool arsenal.
  

4. Nelson Fireman : Heaviest Duty Option for Big Jobs

The Nelson Fireman blends watering precision with an easy and fun to use nozzle.

It features a handle that works similar to the models used by the fire department.

While this version may take a bit of time to acclimate to, our testing team enjoyed using it for a variety of applications.

5. SprayTec 9 Pattern Hose Nozzle : Most Durable Option

The SprayTec 9 Pattern Hose Nozzle is a durable option thanks to its all metal trigger and body.

It is finished with a high quality anodized coating to prevent rusting.

The handle is coated with a comfortable rubber to maximize the comfort of your hand during use.

6. Crenova HN-03 Spray Nozzle : Terrific High-Pressure Choice

The Crenova HN-03 Spray Nozzle is powerful and extremely durable thanks to its all brass design.

An included rubber washer helps prevent leaks and water waste.

Our testers were ecstatic with the consistent water flow in any position or direction while using this option.

7. Gilmour Super Duty : Great Lightweight Choice

The Gilmore Super Duty nozzle is crafted from stainless steel.

It also features an impact resistant coupling to prevent rusting and avoid damage during accidental drops.

Our testers loved its lighter weight compared to other metal options.

8. Gilmour Medium Duty Metal : Good Budget Option

The Beckett Pond PVC Liner is sized at 17 feet by 12 feet, making it a wonderful choice for larger projects.

It can accommodate up to 945 gallons of water.

Made of PVC, it is on the thinner end of the spectrum at 20 ml so that it would be a great option for odd shapes.

9. Lifecolor Garden Hose Nozzle : Best for Multitasking

The Lifecolor Garden Hose Nozzle is composed of ultra-light ABS plastic.

This makes it extremely easy to handle and hold for long periods of time.

The handle has a soft rubber coating, so it’s a lovely choice for anyone with carpal tunnel or a propensity for hand or wrist pain.

10. Rhino Tuff Products Garden Hose Nozzle : Great for Families that Want to Multi-Task

The Rhino Tuff Garden Hose Nozzle is a highly versatile model.

With nine water spray patterns, its ready to go from watering plants to spray mud off your tires in a flash.

It’s easy enough for kids to use during summer water activities while being extremely durable.

Best Garden Hose Nozzles – Buyer’s Guide

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of options currently available for garden hose nozzles. As a result, it can be difficult to ascertain which one is best for you and your home.

Some choices are better for gardening while others work best for pressurized cleaning. We’ve sorted through the options and constructed this guide to explain the ins and outs of nozzles to demystify this common outdoor tool.

Key Considerations in Selecting a Garden Hose Nozzle

There are several major components to consider when searching for a hose nozzle including material composition, nozzle style, spray patterns, connection, flow rate, size, and shut off. Let’s take a closer look at these important options.

Material Composition

Each garden hose nozzle is comprised of two main components: the handle and the sprayer. These items can be made from a vast array of materials. While some are completely made from metal, others could be plastic, and others are crafted from a combination of metal and plastic.

Metal hose nozzles are generally accepted as the best material thanks to their longevity. These versions are usually heavier, which means they may cause your hands and arms to grow tired after wielding them for long periods of time. You can find metal nozzles in stainless steel, brass, aluminum, or construction die-cast, among other options. Brass nozzles are by far the heaviest.

Many metal crafted models are covered in a powder coating or specialized finish. This feature aims to cut down on rusting and corrosion, while also providing a better grip. It can also lend to the aesthetic aspects of the nozzle.

Some nozzles are made of a blend of metal and plastic. These options are typically created by taking a metal nozzle and fashioning it with a plastic handle. This can be a great option since the inner workings are made from metal, so they have less chance of breaking. A plastic handle lends to allowing a lighter product that’s easier and more comfortable to hole, especially for long periods of time.

Purely plastic versions are also found at any local store. While these nozzles are considerably lighter and easier to wield for long days of watering, they are more likely to break. Another downside lies in the fact that they can wear down over time by being exposed to sunlight. They are also more apt to leak. For these reasons, we highly suggest avoiding all plastic versions.

Hose Nozzle Styles

Nozzles can be purchased in a variety of styles. You can find them in traditional, pistol grip, dial or turret, watering wand, fan, fireman, or soaker. Here’s a closer look at the differences between these styles.

Traditional

The traditionally styled nozzle features a straight barrel which is twisted by hand to govern the amount of water allowed to flow through. By twisting the end of this type of nozzle, you can switch quickly from a fine misting spray to a harder stream with just a few simple turns. You can also stop the water flow entirely by twisting all the way to one side. Brass versions can be extremely heavy and cumbersome to hold for longer periods.

Pistol Grip

A pistol grip nozzle is reminiscent of a handgun. You just point and press the trigger to allow water to flow out. You can stop the flow of water by releasing the trigger. This style is often made of aluminum, plastic, or a mix of the two. Since there are many moving parts involved, this style is easily worn out or broken, so purchasing a higher quality option is crucial.

Dial or Turret

A dial or turret styled nozzle employs a key feature of allowing the user to turn a dial that adjusts the water spraying pattern. These nozzles usually have between two and ten various water spray patterns. The patterns could include a fine mist, jet spray, cone, center spray, flood, soak, and shower among others.

Dial nozzles are a terrific option for gardeners that need to do a large amount of close watering. If your garden has many different types of plants that enjoy different styles of spray patterns, this is the easiest way to customize the spray leaving the hose fully. Seedlings, for example, enjoy a fine misting spray which supports their hydration needs while keeping them safe from the damage of a too harsh spray. When watering larger containers, a soak pattern may prove to be more helpful.

We appreciate the variety this style offers and that it removes the guesswork in trying to customize spray patterns. While many versions are created entirely from plastic, you can find art metal options as well. If you do choose a fully plastic model, be sure to place it indoors when not in use to keep it from becoming sun damaged or weathered.

Watering Wand

Watering wand style nozzles allow for an extended reach. This feature allows you to place the water exactly where you need it. Precision spraying is extremely useful for hanging plant baskets and deeper garden beds.

You can find watering wands that extend outwards, similar to a telescope or stationary models. Many also have a cut off valve or trigger near the base to allow you to stop the water flow without having to turn the faucet off. You can also buy versions with rubber or foam grip handles that are comfortable to hold and keep your hands warmer.

Fan

Fan nozzles push water out in a fan-shaped spray pattern. This makes this style ideal for small gardens and any outdoor plants or shrubs. Fan nozzles are wonderful for watering plants quickly and efficiently. This style is versatile since it is able to dispense large amounts of water in a gentle manner, protecting your fragile plants from damage.

Fireman

A fireman style nozzle is one of our favorite options for washing your vehicle thanks to the higher water pressure it is capable of dispensing. This versatile version allows you to easily switch from a fine misting of water to a more forceful jet stream by twisting the nozzle. Most fireman style nozzles are composed of metal and many feature a powder coating which is designed to protect the nozzle while enhancing the grip.

Soaker

Soaker, or bubbler, nozzles don’t actually spray water. Instead, this model allows the water to drip out slowly. We love soaker nozzles for extremely delicate flowers and plants. The special design keeps your garden safe from harmful, harsh sprays of water while keeping it perfectly hydrated. This is also a great option for newly planted trees and for minimizing water runoff and waste.

Spray Patterns

Finding an option with customizable spray patterns is key for most gardens. Depending on your needs, you may want to look for an option that allows you to spray a fine mist, a steady shower, a stronger jet stream, a focused stream, a slower soaking option, or one that does all of these and more. Choosing a nozzle with multiple types of spraying action guarantees you can customize your hydration efforts to suit any type of plant or project, giving you the most bang for your buck.

Connection

The majority of hoses are created with a metal or plastic fitting at the end. This is what you’ll be using to connect your nozzle to your garden hose. Make sure you keep the sizing of the thread handy while perusing your options. For the most part, United States garden hoses feature a standard thread size known as “garden hose thread size,” or GHT. However, other countries, like Great Britain for example, use British standard pipe, BSP, sizing. Keep this fact in mind to ensure your chosen nozzle is a perfect fit.

You always want to utilize a washer when attaching the nozzle to your hose. This will prevent leaks. We recommend a rubber composed washer for best results.

You can also opt to go for a quick connect system. A quick connect system means you can avoid having to screw the nozzle on and off with each and every use, which would get tedious. With this system setup, you just quickly snap the pieces together, and you are ready to water. Try to find an option composed of a heavy-duty brass or a lighter weight aluminum for maximum durability.

Flow Rate

Generally speaking, most garden hoses have flow rates between 2.5 and 5.0 gallons of water per minute. This number can vary based on the style of hose and the water pressure. Most nozzles are perfectly capable of accommodating flows within this range.

Shutoff Valve

Many nozzles include a specialized shutoff valve. This means you can stop the flow of water with a twisting motion, releasing a trigger, rotating the barrel, or by moving a valve. This feature is advantageous in states where water use is limited due to weather or drought situations since you will be less likely to waste any.

Size

Garden hoses are available in different sizes. The most common sizes available are:

• 3/8 inch diameter
• ½ inch diameter
• ¾ inch diameter
• 5/8 inch diameter
• 1 inch diameter

A 5/8 inch diameter hose is usually your best option for most of your hydration needs and gardening tasks.

Keeping these key factors in mind will assist you in determining the best garden hose nozzle for your needs. If you will be using the hose for multiple tasks, selecting a nozzle with more than one spray pattern is essential for saving you time, effort, and money. We hope this article was beneficial in choosing the best garden hose nozzle for your garden. Leave us a comment below with your favorite brands and tips for watering.