Choosing the Right Garden Hose: Expert Recommendations
When it comes to gardening, one thing is certain: your plants will need watering. For many, this means using a garden hose. These tools can be an investment, with durable hoses, nozzles and reels combining to cost several hundred dollars. It’s essential to select the best option for your specific needs.
To simplify the search and provide a list of options, I consulted home and gardening experts, including Brian Shaunfield, a Lowe’s store manager and gardening expert; Julie Bawden-Davis, the master gardener behind the site Healthy Houseplants and author of “Southern California Vegetable Gardening”; Lacy Lange, a gardener and farmer who runs the gardening resource blog Homestead Farms; and Carmen Devito, the founder of garden and landscape design company Garden Cult.
Top-Rated Garden Hoses to Shop
Below are expert-recommended standard, soaker and coiled hoses, along with a few more highly-rated options that align with our experts’ guidance.
Best Standard Garden Hose
Flexzilla 100-foot Garden Hose
DeVito recommends this garden hose, which is made of a mix of vinyl and rubber. It can withstand weather conditions as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit while resisting abrasion, UV and mold, according to the brand. The hose is versatile, available in lengths from 3 feet up to 100 feet, and includes durable aluminum metal couplings.
Best Soaker Garden Hose
Gilmour 75-foot Flat Soaker Hose
This option by Gilmour is flexible and lightweight enough to be woven through your plants and gardens. It folds flat for easy storage and is covered in a clog-resistant fabric that protects against UV rays and wear.
Best Coiled Garden Hose
Gardener’s Supply Company 50-foot Featherweight Coil Hose
Bawden-Davis says this coiled hose has lasted her over eight years in Southern California. It fits well into tight spaces and can stretch up to 50 feet long.
Best Heavy-Duty Vinyl Hose
Teknor Apex NeverKink XP 100-foot Garden Hose
Lange uses this heavy-duty hose from Teknor Apex. It is crush-resistant and can stand up to wear and tear. The outer is abrasion-, puncture- and UV-resistant.
Best Heavy-Duty Rubber Hose
Dramm ColorStorm 50-foot Garden Hose
DeVito suggests this heavy-duty hose for large outdoor projects. It is kink-resistant and can withstand hot water up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Best Lightweight Garden Hose
Zero-G 50-Foot Garden Hose
Lange recommends this lightweight option, which weighs less than five pounds. It includes ergonomic metal couplings that are crush-proof up to 900 pounds.
Best All-In-One Garden Hose
Hoselink 82-foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
This all-in-one hose, nozzle and reel saves time and money. It includes an all-season hose, an eight-pattern thumb-control spray nozzle and a hose reel that can pivot 180 degrees.
Best Expandable Garden Hose
GarrettWade Ultralight Expandable 75-foot Hose
DeVito also recommends this expandable garden hose from GarrettWade, which can expand from 28 feet to up to 75 feet long. It is very light-duty and made with food-safe materials.
Best Hose Nozzles to Shop
Below are expert-recommended and highly rated garden hose nozzles that include pistol grip, watering wand and thumb-control nozzles.
Best Pistol Grip Nozzle
Melnor 5-Pattern Watering Nozzle
This metal hose nozzle from Melnor has five water spray patterns that can accommodate most basic gardening activities.
Best Watering Wand
Dramm 30-inch Rain Wand Nozzle
Bawden-Davis recommends this 30-inch watering wand from Dramm, which can easily reach areas in your garden or lawn.
Best Single-Pattern Nozzle
Gilmour Full Size Zinc Pistol Grip Nozzle
With a full metal construction, this single-pattern nozzle is durable and easy to use.
Best Multi-Pattern Nozzle
Dramm 14505 Revolution 9-Pattern Spray Gun
For a more comfortable option, DeVito recommends Dramm’s spray nozzles. This thumb-control one has a one-touch valve that can be quickly adjusted to control water flow without squeezing a trigger.
Best Hose Reels to Shop
Below are expert-recommended and highly rated hose reels across price points and functionality.
Best Overall Hose Reel
Gorilla Aluminum Zero Rust Mobile Hose Reel
This kink-free hose from Gorilla is made from a roof-proof aluminum frame that can hold 175, 200 or 225 feet of hose.
Best Affordable Hose Reel
Yard Butler Wall Mount Hose Hanger
Lange recommends this mountable hose hanger for its simplicity and affordable price.
Best Wall-Mounted Hose Reel
Liberty Garden 707 Wall Mount Hose Reel
Lange also calls this decorative, wall-mounted hose reel from Liberty Garden a great option if you don’t want to sacrifice style for utility.
How I Picked the Best Garden Hoses
The hose you choose will depend on the tasks you need it for. All of the expert-recommended options in our list fall into three major categories:
- Standard hoses: Typically made of vinyl or rubber.
- Coiled hoses: Light-duty enough to water small areas.
- Soaker hoses: Allow for slow-drip irrigation into your garden.
How to Shop for a Garden Hose
Choosing the best garden hose depends on several factors, including the type (mentioned above), length and material of the hose to fit your specific needs. Other factors to consider include how often you use your hose, the local climate and your budget.
What Are the Best Materials for Garden Hoses?
The material of the hose typically determines its flexibility and durability. Hoses are usually made from one of three materials:
- Vinyl: Most popular, affordable and lightweight choice.
- Polyurethane: Lightweight, kink-resistant and typically found in coiled and air hoses.
- Rubber: Tougher, heavier and more flexible option that can be used for heavy duty job sites or hot water.
How Important Is Hose Strength?
Hoses are labeled as light-, medium- or heavy-duty — each has its own specific uses and outdoor needs.
- Light-duty hoses: Most affordable option and good for small gardens.
- Medium-duty hoses: Decent option for residential lawn and landscape maintenance.
- Heavy-duty hoses: Most durable and sturdy option.
How Important Is Hose Length?
The experts we spoke to say length is among the most important considerations when buying a hose. The best length for the hose depends on what project you’re using it for and the size of your yard, patio or area.
What Are Hose Couplings?
It’s important to pay attention to the couplings (also called fittings), which are the end pieces that connect the ends of the hose with water supplies like spigots, sprinklers and nozzles. However, metal couplings can be harder to tighten on the spigot, while plastic fittings attach more easily due to their nylon or thermoplastic materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should you store your garden hoses when they’re not in use?
When not in use, DeVito says that garden hoses should be drained, rolled up and stored in a dry place, like your garage or garden shed.
Do “kink-free” garden hoses actually work?
According to DeVito, yes they do, to a degree. She says that no kink hoses can be effective if you care for and coil the hose correctly after each use.
Meet Our Gardening Experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
