Best Garden Hoses 2018 – Buyer’s Guide

Finding the best garden hose can be a trying and difficult process that tests your patience. Hoses can be used for a vast array of applications from washing your car to keeping your flowers aptly hydrated. Depending on your particular needs, you may need a specific type of hose.

The sheer number of garden hoses currently available on the market is staggering. They are created in a plethora of colors, sizes, and shapes. Some are safe for drinking from while others could potentially make you or a pet very sick.

Some hoses are best for light watering, and some are heavy-duty all-stars, fit for spraying mud off your truck in the winter. We tested the best garden hoses money can buy to create a review list and buyer’s guide to assist you in finding the perfect garden hose.

Selecting the Best Garden Hoses 2018

1. Water Right 400 Series Polyurethane Slim : Best Option for Pet and Kid Friendly Yards

The Water Right 400 Polyurethane Slim hose is made in the United States.

It is available in four different colors including espresso, cranberry, eggplant, and olive green.

They are also created in a multitude of sizes including 25 feet, 50 feet, 75 feet, and 100 feet to accommodate any setup.

2. Camco 22902 TastePURE : Great Choice for Campers and RVs

The Camco TastePURE Garden Hose is reinforced to resist kinks and is BPA free.

The couplings are heavy-duty machined and plated in nickel to resist corrosion.

The outside of the hose has been coated in PVC to increase its durability and lifespan.

3. Briggs and Stratton 8BS100 : Best Heavy-Duty Choice

The Briggs and Stratton Rubber Garden Hose is a heavy-duty option available in 100 feet, 75 feet, 50 feet, or 25 feet.

While heavier than some other options, it is kink resistant and crafted to handle hot water and cold temperatures with ease.

With nickel-plated brass male and female couplings, this garden hose can tackle any task.

4. Teknor Apex NeverKink : Budget Option

The Teknor Apex NeverKink is offered in several lengths and diameters including ¾ inch or 5/8 inch diameters and lengths of 50 feet, 75 feet, or 100 feet.

This garden hose is created with reinforced mesh layers to guard against damage.

The couplings can withstand 1,400 pounds of pressure and are crafted from aluminum.

5. Gilmour Flexogen Super Duty : Best Choice for Use in Freezing Temperatures

The Gilmour Flexogen Super Duty is offered in 5/8 inch diameter and lengths of 25 feet, 50 feet, 75 feet, or 100 feet.

He couplings are created from crush resistant and corrosion resistant brass.

This garden hose is well suited for use in freezing temperatures since it will not freeze or stop water flow.

6. GrowGreen Expandable Garden Hose : Best Expandable Garden Hose

The GrowGreen Expandable Garden Hose expands to its full length meaning you will not lose any inches.

The hose is resistant to kinking, tangling, or splitting.

It is extremely easy to store when not in use thanks to its super flexible design.

7. Tuff-Guard Perfect Garden Hose : Great Lightweight Choice

The Tuff-Guard Perfect Garden Hose is available in lengths of 25 feet, 50 feet, or 100 feet.

You can purchase the Tuff-Guard in blue, beige, green, red, grey, or pink. The hose’s unique polypropylene double helix coil design adds to the overall stability while keeping it flexible.

It has a burst strength of 300 psi making it awesome for tough gardening tasks.

8. Flexzilla Garden Hose : Best Over All Garden Hose for Jobs Big or Small

The Flexzilla is offered in a multitude of sizing options from three feet to 100 feet in a 5/8 inch diameter.

This garden hose features a SwivelGrip bend restrictor with a rotator.

Our garden testing team was unable to get the Flexzilla to kink under pressure, making it one of the most durable and flexible hoses we tested.

9. Dramm 17006 ColorStorm : Most Colorful Option

Dramm 17006 ColorStorm lives up to its name by the being available in a variety of fun colors.

You can select to purchase it in red, green, yellow, blue, green, orange, or berry.

The hose is made in a 5/8 inch diameter and is 50 feet long.

10. Scotts MaxFlex Heavy Duty Garden Hose : Inexpensive, Light-Duty Choice

The Scotts MaxFlex Garden Hose is available in 50 or 100 feet.

It is reinforced with nylon and crafted from polymer.

It is up to thirty percent lighter than many of the other hoses available on the market. This hose has a burst strength of 500 psi.

Best Garden Hoses – Buyer’s Guide

You can find garden hoses in a vast array of colors, styles, sizes, and special features. Some hoses are created to resist tangling, be extra durable, or may even be microbial to protect you from germs. You can also find eco-friendly features such as water-saving nozzles or ones that swap out easily.

Garden hoses are now created from many different and technologically advanced materials as well. As a result, deciding on the perfect garden hose may seem like an arduous chore. To expedite the process, we’ve created this handy guide to help you sort through the many different types of hoses to pick the one that is best suited to your needs.

Key Considerations When Shopping for a New Garden Hose

Let’s take a look at the important topics to think about when selecting a new hose.

Length

Longer is not always better. You should buy a hose that is the length you need. Garden hoses are typically available in 25, 50, 75, or 100 feet in length. While you might be tempted to purchase a longer hose than you need, you should try to avoid the temptation.

The longer your hose is, the heavier it becomes. This means it becomes more cumbersome to move and use. Longer hoses are also more expensive, and they need more storage space. A very long option can also be nearly impossible to drain before storing fully and can result in extremely low water pressure.

To find your perfect hose length, measure the distance between your water spigot to the furthest part of your yard or area where you will use the new hose. Choose a hose that is slightly longer than this measurement. By selecting one that is a bit longer, you can ensure it won’t become overstretched which may result in tears, snags, or leaks.

Hose Diameter

The diameter of the garden hose refers to the width. The most common hose diameters are ¾ inch, 5/8 inch, and ½ inch. The measurements are based on the inside diameter rather than the outside of the hose. A garden hose with a larger diameter will allow for more water to be expelled at a faster rate.

For most garden hose uses, a width of 5/8 inch is usually the most useful. This size will allow for a great combination of water pressure and flow. This size also keeps the hose from becoming too heavy with longer use.

If you require a lighter hose, then you should look for a hose with an interior width of a half inch will allow you to complete your watering tasks without a lot of extra weight. A half inch hose that is 25 to 50 feet long will be well suited for individuals that need to complete lighter duty gardening. However, they will not work as well for people that want to wash their vehicles or run a sprinkler.

Material Matters

As technology advances, so do the materials that garden hoses are crafted from. They are available in a large range of materials and colors. Generally, they are crafted from vinyl, rubber, or a blend of the two.

Vinyl

Vinyl hoses are less expensive. They are also more lightweight. On the downside, vinyl tends to be less sturdy, so they may also be more likely to kink, tangle, crack, or split when compared to other materials.

Vinyl garden hoses can also degrade at a faster rate than other materials if they are left out in the sun or are exposed to inclement weather conditions. If you are on a tight budget and just looking for a hose to assist you with light gardening tasks, a vinyl hose should work fine. Be sure to drain and store it to extend its life properly.

Rubber

Rubber garden hoses are the most durable, strongest, and therefore longest lasting hoses available. They resist cracking, and they are less likely to tangle or kink. They can also carry hot water.

They are also resistant to ozone deterioration, which means they won’t fall apart of left out in the sun. They are also the most expensive and can be quite heavy to lug around. If you are after a heavy-duty hose that will last through lots of season’s of use, rubber is likely your top choice.

A Combination of Rubber and Vinyl

A third solution lies in the combining of these two materials. Reinforced hoses are mot often crafted from a mesh lining sandwiched between layers of vinyl and rubber. These garden hoses are more resistant to kinking, splitting, cracking, and deterioration than just vinyl on its own.

They are also able to withstand higher water pressures. Regardless of the material, you decide on, if your pets or kids may take an occasional drink from the hose, take care to find a “drinking water safe” marked hose to avoid any dangerous chemicals being ingested.

Strength

Choosing a strong hose that is built to last through many uses is not only helpful for keeping your wallet happy, but it will save you from stressing out as well. Consider the hose’s “burst Pressure” rating carefully. Burst pressure is a measurement describing the amount of water pressure it would take for the hose to burst. If you are looking for a hose to use with a sprinkler, you’ll need a burst pressure that is above 350 psi. If you are using a specialty garden hose nozzle, be sure to check the manufacturer’s notes on the necessary burst pressure to operate the hose properly.

Flexibility

You will need to purchase a hose that is flexible enough to bend and move easily during use. While rolling up easily for safe storage. However, a hose that is too flexible can lead to kinking. Kinking leads to cracking and splitting, therefore shortening the life of your hose drastically. Typically, rubber or mesh liner reinforced hoses are less likely to kink than vinyl. To test the hose bend it into a U. If the hose kinks, pass on it and try a different model.

Couplings

A coupling is the end piece of your hose that attaches to a water spigot, sprinkler, or nozzle. Cheaper hoses usually have plastic couplings. Plastic versions are more prone to leaking, cracking, and breaking. They are also difficult to properly tighten. The lifespan for a plastic coupling is much shorter than other materials.

A metal coupling is most often crafted from brass. They may also be chrome plated. Brass is thicker and typically has an octagon shape which allows it to be adjusted using a wrench. Brass couplings are leak-resistant and have a much longer life than other versions. Conversely, a brass coupling may be difficult to turn for individuals with arthritis or smaller hands.

Thinly metal plated couplings break more easily. They can also be more difficult to tighten at the water spigot. They tend to break down and wear out faster as well.

Types of Garden Hoses

There are a few different types of hoses that are tailored to suit any needs you may have. Here’s a closer peek at the types of garden hoses you can choose from, and the special attributes they have.

Light Duty Garden Hoses

Light duty garden hoses are lighter weight. They are typically composed of vinyl but may have reinforcing mesh or multiple layers to increase their strength and durability. This option typically comes with plastic couplings and are thinner in diameter to cut down on weight.

If you are on a strict budget or do not plan to use your garden hose too often or for substantial jobs, a lightweight hose can be a great solution. They are usually created to be under 50 feet in length. They won’t be able to accommodate some specialty nozzles, sprinklers, or higher water pressure, but for a home gardener looking to hydrate the hydrangeas, it will work beautifully.

Regular and Heavy-Duty Garden Hoses

In this category, you will find your everyday garden hoses and those that are built tougher to last through heavier use. Most hoses that are heavy-duty are composed of rubber and have brass couplings. While these hoses can be used in nearly any hydration situation, they are heavier and can get annoying to lug around on longer tasks.

Flat Hoses

A flat garden hose is similar to the hoses that are used by fire departments. When they are in use and filled with water, they are round. Then they flatten out when not in use. They take up less storage space than other hoses but can be difficult to store without a hose reel.

Flat hoses are usually made from vinyl to ensure they are flexible. As a result, they are not as strong or durable as other versions. If space is an issue and you need a hose that folds up, then a flat hose may be a welcome addition to your tool shed.

Soaker Hoses

Soaker hoses offer an easy way to irrigate your garden. Most often crafted from recycled rubber and plastics, these garden hoses have porous walls. When the water is on and flowing through the hose, it leaks out of thousands of teeny, tiny holes. This process allows the water to gently seep into the soil to ensure your garden is adequately hydrated.

A soaker garden hose can be laid directly on the soil or buried below the surface up to six inches. You can also cover them with a layer of mulch. They work wonders for vegetable gardens and are great for hotter, dryer climates.

Coiled Hoses

Coiled garden hoses are bundled into a tight spiral formation. The spiral pulls tightly together when stored and then stretches out almost straight when in use and carrying water. They are typically available in shorter lengths of 15 feet to 25 feet, but some companies make longer versions.

A 25-foot coiled garden hose will stretch out to approximately 15 to 20 feet. This is important to keep in mind when selecting a length. When storing a coiled hose, you won’t be able to use a hose reel. They can become tangled up easily, so you will also want to purchase a special stand up hanger.

Expandable Hoses

An expandable garden hose looks similar to a hair scrunchie. They expand up to three times their length when in use. They are lightweight and are often available in a wide range of fun colors. The downside is that with use they eventually lose their ability to fully contract to their originally pre-water size, leaving you with a hose that is difficult to store. If you need a light hose for smaller watering tasks, they can be wonderful. But for big jobs, they are not heavy duty enough and may be prone to splitting.

We hope you enjoyed our reviews of our favorite garden hoses. Keeping your typical gardening tasks in mind, as well as the climate in your area will help you to select the best garden hose for your needs. Don’t forget to leave us a comment below with your number one garden hose and any thoughts or questions.