“All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today”

It takes time, patience and some watering for seeds to grow and bloom into beautiful flowers. Interestingly, hoses have been around for almost 35 decades thanks to one Jan Van der Heiden. They have grown to become indispensable units in the home and well, part of the human life. Garden hoses are as important to your yard as water is to the life of a plant. Hence you need a hose that will serve every hose-related need in your yard.

Let’s take a look at some of the best garden hoses in the market. Not just the best but an in-depth analysis of what makes them stand out followed by an insightful buyers guide to help you make that one-time investment for your precious yard.

Please use these navigational links:

1 – Jump to Reviews

2 – Jump to Comparison Table

3 – Jump to Guide **HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**

Garden hoses are depended upon mainly for the flow of water. A garden hose typically transports eight gallons of water every minute yet this can reduce to around 5 gallons when a spray gun or a sprinkler is used, to deliver pressured water at the exit.

Hoses are also used for conveying drinking water only, these types would typically be made of certified PVC or Vinyl with a zero ability to leach harmful substances in drinking water. Initially, they were made of sewn linen or leather.

Choosing the best garden hose for your needs may be a difficult task obviously because there are so many of them and as some would imagine very little differences.

It takes a keen eye to spot the best which is why we have endeavored to make your selection an easy task. Our review covers the best garden hoses along with features that make them unique.

A hose is simply a tube used to transport water. The hose can either be attached to a sprinkler or sprayers. Sprinklers spray water over a large surface area while sprayers concentrate water on at one point.

Other than watering gardens and lawns, the garden hose can be used for other purposes such as outdoor car cleaning, cleaning animals, and other activities that need a lot of water.

In some cases, they can be used to provide drinking water. There are specific garden hoses for drinking water. Their safety standards are more complex and must be adhered to.

An expandable garden hose is a type of hose that expands when water flows through it. Most expandable hoses expand up to 3 times their normal size and shrink back in a few seconds.

This allows the expandable garden hose to be non-tangling, self-draining, and easy to use and store. However, the performance of each garden hose may differ slightly between different manufacturers.

Most manufacturers use specially designed rubber for the inner layer of the hose and a nylon material for the outer layer of the hose.

When connected to water, the shut off valve is turned off to allow water pressure to build in the hose.

This makes the hose to expand to its maximum size. After expanding, the shut-off valve is turned on allowing the hose to either spray or sprinkle water on the garden.

The table below gives a summary of the best expandable garden hose brands to choose from in the market.

Top Best Garden Hoses 2018 – Quick Comparison Table

Model Max LengthInternal DiameterMaterialWeightCouplings
Teknor Apex 3000 Series
Check Price
100-feet5/8 InchRecycled Material13.8lbsLead-free aluminum
Teknor Apex 8615-25 Series
Check Price
25-Feet5/8 InchRecycled Material3.7lbsLead-free aluminum
Camco 22853 Series
Check Price
50 –Feet5/8 InchNSF Certified Hose Materia6lbsNickel-Plated Brass
Briggs & Stratton 8BS50
Check Price
50 Feet5/8 InchRubber9.7lbsNickel-Plated Brass
Zero-G 4001-50
Check Price
50 Feet5/8 InchHigh Density G-Force Woven Fibers and Vinyl4lbsLead-Free Metal
Flexzilla HFZG550YW
Check Price
50 Feet5/8 InchPremium Hybrid Polymer6.9lbsAnodized Aircraft Aluminum
Durark Heavy Duty Expandable Hose
Check Price
50 Feet-Rubber1.6lbsBrass with Nickel coating

Best Garden Hose Reviews 2018 – Top Models

Best Expendable Garden Hoses

1. GrowGreen ALL NEW 2017 Expandable Garden Hose

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GrowGreen Garden Hose 50 Feet Expandable Hose with All Brass Connectors, 8 Pattern Spray Nozzle and High Pressure, Expanding Garden Hose
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GrowGreen has over the years remained ahead of the game thanks to its top quality garden watering supplies and the All New 2017 Expandable hose is no exception.

Improved with amazing space saving and quality detail, this garden hose will definitely appeal to the homeowner out for quality and durability. These unique features make it one of your best and latest bets for 2017 and years to come.

Quality Construction

Figure out how durable premium latex is compared to other ordinary hose materials which succumb to wear and tear within the first few uses.

This 2017 model by GrowGreen is made of latex tough enough to withstand water pressure ranging between 43.5 PSI and 145 PSI which is well within your average so forget about bursting, breaking or leaking. Its connectors are made of brass connectors and as we all know, brass happens to be the best metal for this purpose thanks to its great rust resistance and durability properties.

It is Expandable

This hose is expandable with a fully stretched out length of 50 ft from 17 ft, almost 3 times its size, depending on water pressure, for the 50 ft hose. You can opt for other lengths including the 25 ft, 75 ft, and 100 ft depending on your requirements. Unlike other expandable hoses, GrowGreen’s claims of their 2017 expandable hose being tangle-, kink-, or twist-free, particularly during storage, are actually genuine.

Space Efficient

As it compacts to 17 ft when not in use, this hose’s flexibility and easy handling make it easy to store plus you need very little space to store it in your garage, or simply hang it from a hose hanger also available from GrowGreen.

Multi-Pattern Nozzle

This hose comes with a brass nozzle designed with 8 adjustable water spraying patterns from flat, cone, center, shower, soaker, mist, angle and full patterns based on your application.

Finally, this garden hose is backed by 12 months of manufacturers warranty which we consider fair enough.

Pros

  • High quality and durable based on latex and brass construction
  • 8 adjustable pattern-nozzle makes it versatile

Cons

  • The 8-pattern nozzle has plastic elements, it could have been better and more durable if it was all brass.

Overall this is a quality built hose with utmost versatility and every care taken in its design to take care of literally all user concerns and it is agreeable that the package indeed offers you value for your money.

2. GrowGreen Heavy duty 75′ Feet Expandable Hose Set

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GrowGreen 2017 Heavy Duty 75' Feet Expandable Hose Set, Strongest Garden Hose On Earth. with All Solid Brass Connector + Storage Sack,
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The heavy-duty (improved design) 75’ Feet expandable hose set by GrowGreen qualifies for the best expendable garden hose.

It comes in four different sizes and allows you to choose your most preferred size according to your budget, needs, and capacity.

Fully Expandable

This is the best expandable garden hose because of one unique feature that makes it stand out from the rest. It is the only expandable garden hose that gets to its full length of 75 ft when in use according to USA standard water pressure. That it can return to its normal 25-feet size in seconds after the flow of water has been stopped makes it quite a desirable rubber garden hose.

Versatile, Compact and Efficient

The expandable garden hose is highly versatile spraying water in 8 different patterns including Flat, Cone, Soaker, Full, Angle, Shower, Mist, and Centre. It does not tangle or twist when in use and this makes it so easy to handle and store. What’s more, there is no more fretting about storage, as this hose is space efficient.

Other Important Features

Other add-ons that come with this hose like the heavy duty, 8-pattern adjustable spray nozzle, a shut-off valve, reel hanger, and storage sack makes the heavy-duty {Improved Design} 75′ Feet Expandable Hose Set a must have because operating it has been made simple.

Pros

  • 8 watering patterns makes it a versatile unit
  • Expands to full size when in use
  • Compact for easy storage when not in use

Cons

  • Some users have complained about the spray nozzle either being of poor quality or poorly constructed

Verdict

 For those that need a tangle-free garden hose with multiple offerings and functionality at its best, this one it is. Its flexibility and ease of storage along with the additional features that come with it make the Heavy duty {Improved Design} 75′ Feet Expandable Hose Set a great addition to any homeowner’s toolset.

3. Ohuhu 75 Feet Expandable Garden Hose

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Ohuhu Expandable Garden Hose, Green (75 ft)
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This is arguably one of the best expandable garden hose you can lay your hands on, starting out at 25 feet and capable of expanding three times up to 75 feet with water pressure. It is made of latex, a material that expands well enough without yielding to the usual wear and tear.

Ease of and Efficient Operation

The Ohuhu expandable garden hose is designed in a way that it never tangles, twists or kinks which other than making it easy to handle also ensures a smooth flow and constant water pressure.

Ease of Storage

If you are looking for a hose that will supply your water a great distance and still be short enough for easy storage, this is it. This is because it shrinks to only 25 feet within a few minutes when not in use making it space efficient.

Durable and Versatile

Its body is made of a high pressure-resistant, long-lasting latex which can handle water pressure ranging from 43.5 PSI to 145 PSI, and a corrosion-resistant nozzle with 8 adjustable water patterns; shower, mist. Center, flat, cone, soaker, full, and angle for utmost versatility. However, very high pressure above 145 PSI may damage your hose because it is designed for small-scale, personal use, therefore, you need to be keen on keeping your water pressure within the given range to have it serve you longer.

Pros

  • Compacts to 25ft for space-efficient storage
  • The nozzle that is resistant to corrosion
  • Durable construction
  • Versatile, nozzle designed with 8 spray patterns for different applications
  • Does not kink or tangle

Cons

  • Designed for small-scale use, PSI above 145 damages it

Verdict

This expandable garden hose by Ohuhu makes a great option for small homeowners. Its greatest advantage is that it is designed with tough long lasting material and can be used for several different applications thanks to its rust-free nozzle with 8 spray patterns. With proper use, you will have this hose for many years.

Best Heavy Duty Garden Hoses

4. Teknor Apex Never Kink Extra Heavy Duty Garden Hose

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Teknor Apex NeverKink 8642-100, Extra Heavy Duty Garden Hose, 5/8-Inch by 100-Feet
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Great Design and Performance
This heavy-duty garden hose by Teknor Apex is designed with the latest technology to withstand twists and tangles. It features high strength couplings to prevent leaks and add to its useful life.

If you are looking for a long expandable garden hose for frequent heavy-duty use, the Never Kink Series 3000 makes a great choice.

This is definitely the best expandable garden hose. Designed with NTS reflex technology, you can expect that it will not tangle, kink or twist and this perhaps is its most outstanding feature.

      Again this extra heavy duty Garden comes with different size/length options to fit the needs of different users. These include 5/8 inches by 100 feet, 5/8 inches by 75 feet and 5/8 inches by 50feet.

Durability and Safety Features

It is made of aluminum couplings instead of lead. Aluminum is sturdy, durable, and can stand years of heavy use and this hose is just that. In addition, aluminum protects consumers against lead-based health complications. Its anti-microbial micro shield protects the hose against mold and mildews which is common in other unprotected hoses since they are always damp and dark after frequent flow of water through them.

Pros

  • Does not kink, tangle or twist
  • Great safety features like noncorrosive aluminum couplings and micro shield against microbes

Cons

  • Users complained of it kinking despite the neverkink technology
  • Not compatible with some hose reels

Verdict

Never Kink 5/8-Inch by 100-Feet Series 3000 Extra Heavy Duty Garden Hose guarantees what matters most to all of us; safety, protection, and durability.

5. Briggs and Stratton 50-Foot Premium Rubber Garden Hose

Briggs and Stratton 8BS50 50-Foot Premium Heavy-Duty Rubber Garden Hose
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If you are looking for a heavy duty rubber garden hose, the Briggs and Stratton garden hose 8BS50 makes a good option.

It is sturdy enough to stand long heavy use without the common wear and tear. It has great flexibility and hose diameter too.
Sturdy and Durable Construction

As we mentioned above, most of the best garden hoses are made out of rubber, and rubber is the material this bad boy is made of! It won’t kink, it will be more durable, but it will also be heavier, so consider this before buying. This garden hose is also long enough to serve most gardens. Its length is 50 ft, or 15.24m. Usually, 50 feet is the average length for a garden hose.

Flexibility

One benefit this garden hose has is its flexibility. It is made of materials that allow the hose to stay very flexible, even during extremely low temperatures. Its diameter is 5/8-inch which is great for just enough water flow while maintaining medium pressure.

Pros

  • Heavy Duty meaning you can use it heavily without the usual wear and tear thanks to its strong reinforcement
  • Heavy-duty, nickel plated brass durable couplings

Cons

  • A little heavier compared to others in the same space
  • 50 ft of length may be short for some users

Verdict

If you are looking for a hose that will offer you long useful service even with frequent use, this 8BS50 by Briggs & Stratton makes a great option. Apart from it being a little heavy, this is understandable given its construction, there isn’t much coming forth in terms of disadvantages.

 

6. Zero-G 4001-50 Lightweight, Kink-Free Garden Hose

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zero-G 4001-50 Lightweight, Ultra Flexible, Durable, Kink-Free Garden Hose, 5/8-Inch by 50-Feet
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A light weight, kink-free garden hose that is easy to operate and is durable is definitely a good bargain not only for home users but also for commercial users and the Zero-G 4001-50 garden hose comes with these and more features.

Toughness and Durability

Something quite outstanding with this hose is its toughness, with a 600+ PSI rate, you can rest assured that it will give you some years of useful service. What’s more, vinyl is one of the standard materials for hose pipes particularly those that convey drinking water because it is safer compared to the rest. In addition to such quality construction, this unit is lined with High-Density G-Force Woven Fibres to enhance its strength.

Ease of Operation

Ease of operation constantly factors among top user concerns and this one has not been compromised one bit. It features a no expansion or contraction mechanism such that the user is guaranteed of continuous water flow. Metallic rust-free couplings complete the equation o quality and performance so this really is a garden hose worth your consideration.

Pros

  • It is lightweight yet so tough it can withstand over 600 PSI
  • Made of vinyl meaning it is safe and free from lead if you need it for drinking water
  • Couplings that do not rust
  • Does not kink, expand or retract which enhances its performance

Cons

  • Wide opening, however, some users will be comfortable with over ft of length

Verdict

Tough and lightweight hoses will definitely appeal to many users and the Zero-G 4001 comes with both qualities. Overall its safety details have not been compromised no wonder users needing to convey drinking water in large volumes will find it useful.

7. Durark 50ft Heavy Duty Expandable Hose

Durark 50ft Heavy Duty Expandable Hose (Black), Upgraded Brass Fittings and Shut-off Valve, Toughest, Flexible, Expanding Garden and Utility Hose (50 foot) - Extra Washers Included
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The Durark 50ft heavy duty expandable hose is made of rubber, making it a very durable garden hose that will not kink easily. It is perfect for prolonged usage.

It may not be the most comfortable hose to use but if you’re looking for functionality, then you’ll be pleased with it. In terms of length, you have two options, 25 feet or 50 feet.
The Durark heavy duty expandable hose makes an ideal for farm and home garden use and comes with an added advantage of durability. It is designed with solid brass fittings and coated with nickel, to ensure stability and no leakage, rust, corrosion or other nasty challenges typical of ordinary hoses.

Durable and Compatible

This hose will withstand the pressure of up to 10 BAR which is about 145 PSI and this is over and above the normal 65 PSI water pressure demands in the home. Additionally, it is built to work with standard water connectors and the shut-off valve at its end comes in handy when you need to control the flow of water without shutting it off from the source.

Warranty

What’s more important is that this hose comes with a lifetime refund or replace policy. This, in my opinion, qualifies this hose for one of the best garden hoses in the market.

Extra Features

Its package includes extra washers to make maintenance an easy task.

Pros

  • Operation details like no leak, no rust and toughness make it a handy hose
  • Can withstand high pressure up to 145 PSI
  • Compatible with standard water connectors
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Designed for small and medium capacity users given a max length of 50 ft

Verdict

Durark hoses are dependable because they are made of rubber, a strong and durable material. If you are looking for a hose that doesn’t kink which will give you years of useful service then Durak 50 Ft hose makes a good option.

However, try not to subject it to overly heavy use as it is designed for small and medium capacity tasks.

8. NeverKink 8844-100 Series 4000 Commercial Duty Pro Garden Hose

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Teknor Apex Neverkink, 8844-100, PRO Water Hose, 5/8-in x 100-feet
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As the name suggests, this hose never kinks, a feature it gets from its flexible power coil strain relief which is what most users check before buying a garden hose. Here are other features that make it a top hose
Strength and Manoeuvrability

The Neverkink 8844-100 hose incorporates a patented technology called Reflex Mesh which, other than flexibility, can withstand a weight of up to 1400 pounds and will not kink. Its strength draws from the fact that it is made of tough rubber commercial grade rubber material yet it only weighs 2.44 lbs.

Durability and Flexibility

Owing to its strength and no-kink features, this hose will definitely give you more years of useful service. In addition, this hose is designed with a range of flexibility up to 45 degrees which is quite remarkable, no wonder it qualifies as a commercial grade unit.

Other Durability Features

Other key components include a high strength aluminum material build which makes it rust free. The hose length of 100.1 feet gives you the flexibility of wandering around uninhibited.

Pros

  • Sturdy Construction and can withstand high pressure
  • Flexible
  • Strong and quality couplings

Cons

  • A bit heavy when full of water

Verdict

NeverKink 8844-100 Series 4000 is a heavy-duty garden hose suitable for tradesmen, landscape professionals, and contractors yet it is still very easy to work with given that it is long, flexible and very light

Best Light Duty Garden Hose

9. Never Kink 8615-25 Ultra Flexible Garden Hose 25-Feet

Teknor Apex NeverKink 8615-25, Heavy Duty Garden Hose, 5/8-Inch by 25-Feet
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This is yet another of the Never kink series that has managed some great reviews among users. However, it is a light weight version compared to Series 3000 and is ideal for lighter use.

The 8615-25 Series 2000 is quite flexible too. Therefore, if you are looking for the best light weight garden hose, this is it.

Safe, Light Duty, and Durable Hose

The Never Kink 8615-25 Series 2000 Ultra Flexible Garden Hose qualifies for the best expandable garden hose for light-duty tasks. One of its distinct features is the micro shield that protects against mold and mildew. Another unique feature is that it has rigid sleeves that prevent kinking especially on the faucets. It is also durable and lasts longer than other garden hoses owing to its tough quality construction.

Its aluminum couplings also prevent leaks and lead poisoning making this hose extremely efficient and safe to use.

Strength

Apart from its aluminum couplings guaranteeing safety, they also enhance the strength of the hose to prevent it from leaking or crushing under pressure.

Pros

  • Safe from mold and mildew
  • Aluminum couplings, therefore, no leaks or lead effect

Cons

  • Some users complained about it kinking despite the no-kink technology

Verdict  

Because of its micro shield protection, safety, and durability, you are guaranteed years of quality service and as well a run for your bucks with the Never Kink 8615-25 Series 2000 Ultra Flexible Garden Hose.

10. Apex REM 15 15-Foot Connector Hose Remnants

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Apex, REM-15, Connector Hose, 5/8-inch by 15-feet ,(Colors may vary)
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Apex is a 15 feet long hose preferred by people undertaking light gardening tasks. Retailing quite fairly, it comes as a quick-fix when you are on a budget but need an extension hose to connect to another hose, which will offer you good service and a value for your small budget.

Versatile Extension

The Apex REM 15-hose serves as an exceptional drain hose for different applications and as a short-length 15-foot hose ideal for extending other hoses. It is ideal for use with most dehumidifiers as well as hose reels.
Strength and Durability

A feature that makes it most ideal for all these applications is its quality, durable construction with reinforced material along with lead-free brass couplings integrated with E-Z Tite technology to ensure a secured connection.

Warranty and Other Features

Apex connector hose is lightweight at 1.5 lbs and comes with different color options to accommodate the diversity and the preference of most users. This light duty garden hose comes with a two-year warranty plan, a guarantee that with proper use, it will give you quality service for years.

Pros

  • Tough and quality constructed
  • Lead-free brass couplings for firm leak-free connections

Cons

  • Doesn’t work well with hot water or drinking water
  • Ideal for light-duty gardening tasks

Verdict

This unit is obviously a quick fix. It is ideal for people who need to extend their hoses to reach far spots but only for light duty tasks. Overall it is well built and quite dependable, better than buying an entire hose, especially when on a budget.

Best Drinking Water Hose

11. Camco 22853 Premium Drinking Water Hose **BEST CHOICE**

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Camco 50ft Premium Drinking Water Hose - Lead Free, Anti-Kink Design, 20% Thicker Than Standard Hoses (5/8'Inside Diameter) (22853)
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To be sure that your drinking water is safely supplied, you need a thicker hose that complies with State and Federal safety laws particularly as regards lead levels. The Camco 22853 Premium Drinking Water Hose offers these and much more making it the best bargain.

You can also be sure that your water will retain its original taste without lead and plastic interference that’s common with other hoses.

Safety Features

Camco premium drinking water hose is arguably the best drinking water hose. With its enhanced safety measures, it guarantees safe drinking water delivery. Apart from complying with state and Federal laws on low lead levels, it also complies with NSF and ANSI 372 hose standards.

Enhanced Durability

One of its incredible features is that it comes with machined fittings and strain relief ends for durability because these accessories tend to wear out rather fast if not well designed. It is also built to stand UV rays so you can expect some years of useful service.

Pros

  • It is lead-free meaning that it is safe for conveying drinking water
  • It is generally thicker, therefore, it can withstand pressure and not scratch easily
  • Machined couplings

Cons

  • Some users have complained of it kinking

Verdict

Camco 22853 Premium Drinking Water Hose (5/8″ID x 50′) – Lead-Free is definitely a worthwhile consideration if you are concerned about water safety.

12. Legacy HFZG550YW Flexzilla

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Flexzilla Garden Hose, 5/8 in. x 50 ft., Lightweight, Drinking Water Safe - HFZG550YW-E
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This garden hose as the name suggests is indeed a legacy. It couples great performance with an all-weather flexibility making it a great drinking water conveyor.

Strength and Durability

This garden hose is made of hybrid polymer, which has a great all-weather flexibility and can withstand temperatures ranging from -40F to 150F so you can expect it to stand the extreme weather. It comes in different lengths to suit varying customer needs.
The Flexzilla HFZG550YW garden hose comes with couplings are made of anodized aircraft grade aluminum metal known to be tough, rust-free and durable. To add on to durability, it has been designed to withstand scratch so that it will not get damaged easily and its interior is layered with rib-like design to prevent kinking.  This hose can withstand pressure up to 150 PSI.

Storage

This hose is easy to fold and store thanks to its no-memory technology that rids it of all substance when not in use so that it flattens out and coils quite easily into a small space-efficient size.

Pros

  • No-memory technology makes it easy to fold and uncoil  
  • Tough durable couplings
  • Not easily damaged or scratched thanks to the interior layer and design
  • All weather hose that is UV protected

Cons

  • Can catch mold or mildew if not well maintained
  • Green color fades with time

Verdict

The best hose for drinking water obviously comes with special features like rust-resistant couplings, tough yet lightweight construction, as well as safety features so that your water remains lead-free and great-tasting even after being conveyed through the hose and the Flexilla HFZG550YW garden hose is all these and much more. This makes it a great option for people looking for a hose that is of high quality and safety for their drinking water.

Best Flat Garden Hoses

13. Gilmour Flat Weeper/Soaker Hose

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Gilmour 870751-1001 Hose Flat Soaker, 75'
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Gilmour is one of the best flat garden hoses available, uniquely designed to allow water to seep through its wall directly to the plants or garden. By slowly releasing water into the ground, evaporation is minimized and water is conserved.
The Gilmour Flat Weeper has the advantage of being lightweight and flexible, which makes it easy to handle and maneuver around your garden. It is made of perforated PVC and covered with a fabric that’s free from clogging to give it utmost protection, particularly from UV rays.
Lightweight, Flexible and Durable

Its sturdiness gives it another edge since it can be buried underground or even left out in the open fields without having to worry about damaging its lifespan.

Warranty and Other Features

It is important to mention that this hose is affected by extremely cold weather, therefore, you will need to detach and drain away any water inside during winter to prevent it from being damaged. On the plus side, however, Gilmour Flat Weeper comes with an irresistible 7-year warranty, which in itself, is a vote of confidence on its durability.

Pros

  • Functional both above the ground and underground
  • Built to last with PVC liner and a fabric cover that is resistant to clogging

Cons

  • Affected by extremely cold weather and can freeze

Verdict

For those looking for a suitable hose for watering new seedlings/ seedbeds, gardens and small bushes, the Gilmour Flat Weeper/Soaker hose will definitely come in handy. It stands out for being useful under and above the ground, a feature you’ll like because you can leave your hose operating unattended as you check on other important tasks.

Conclusion

While the best expandable garden hose will give you quality offerings in terms of use and safety, they need to be taken care of properly to achieve this. Regular cleaning, maintenance, and proper storage as according to their manual will go a long way to ensure their full useful life.

Our #1 Choice!

Our review is never complete without the best pick. Based on heavy duty use, the Never Kink Series 3000 Extra Heavy Duty hose makes the best garden hose.

However, if you need a lightweight for your small capacity tasks, the Camco 22853 Premium Drinking Water Hose is obviously the best hose owing to its safety standards compliance.

Best Expandable Garden Hose – Buyer’s Guide

 

An expandable garden hose is a handy unit if you have to transport your water from source to different places in an efficient flow. It eliminates manual handling and this is vital especially for drinking water.

For others, it may or may not matter whether you carry your water manually to where you need it but it certainly takes more time and effort when you opt for the manual route.

With so many brands of garden hose to choose from, it is better you take your time and make a onetime informed investment that will give you years of service before you can consider a replacement.

Leading brands are obviously the best more so because they didn’t get to the top overnight, but because they took time to learn your needs and design their hoses accordingly.

Garden Hoses Top Brands 

The best garden hose brands in the market will feature quality lasting construction and rubber is always the best. It also takes into account the best metal couplings, not cheap plastic and variety of lengths giving users options to choose from.

Teknor Apex, Zero-G, and Flezilla are by far the most popular brands not only because good ratings from a good number of users speak for them but also because they have taken a bold direction in detailing their designs with some quality features.

Teknor Apex: The series 3000 and 2000 garden hoses by Teknor Apex are some of the most durable hoses with tough aluminum couplings.

They are also popular for their micro shield anti-microbial protection which prevents molds and mildew from building on the inside of the pipes.

They are expandable too however, the series 3000 are some of the heaviest most likely because they are heavy duty. One unique feature is the patented anti kink technology known as NTS reflex mesh.

Zero-G: The Zero-G pipes are some of the lightest pipes and this is perhaps the reason why they are preferred by those with large space applications.

Two features that have grown to be most appreciated by users are their high-density G-Force woven fibers, which is the reason behind their longer useful life, and their high burst rating.

You may have to subject them to immensely high pressure for them to puncture, otherwise, you can expect them to remain intact over a long period.

Flezilla: Flezilla hoses, on the other hand, stand out for their all-weather utility at a range of -400 F to 1500 F. In addition, there no memory design is a feature to behold.

They lay flat, coil easily making storage a breeze, and as such are some of the top quality garden hoses.

Types of Expandable Garden Hose

There are three main types of expandable garden hoses.

i. Heavy duty garden hose – Heavy duty design hoses are made with the latest technology to withstand tangles.

They are reinforced with aluminum couplings to prevent leaks and to make them more durable compared to other garden hoses.

When properly used and stored, a heavy duty hose can serve for 5 to 10 years. Good examples include Never Kink 5/8-Inch by 100-Feet Series 3000 Extra Heavy Duty Garden Hose and Heavy duty {Improved Design} 75′ Feet Expandable Hose Set

ii. Light duty garden hose – These are made of light material, are quite easy to use, and store. To prevent tangling, light duty garden hoses have rigid sleeves at the faucets.

They are also constructed with aluminum couplings for extra strength. A good example is the Never Kink 8615-25 Series 2000 Ultra Flexible Garden Hose, 5/8-Inch by 25-Feet.

iii. Drinking water garden hose – These are special garden hose pipes specifically designed to convey drinking water.

They have higher safety standards compared to normal garden hoses. A good drinking water hose should be up to par with the required safety standards and be NFS and ANSI 372 certified.

It also has to be lead and phthalate free. A good example is Camco 22853 Premium Drinking Water Hose (5/8″ID x 50′) – Lead-Free

Hoses can also be categorized according to their form.

IV. Expandable Garden Hose: these hoses are compact yet they will extend up to three times their size when water flows through them. They are good space economists.
V. Helical or Spiral Garden Hose: For these garden hoses, their form defines their storage. Usually, they will be stored by collecting them in a coil for easy storage and as well space efficiency.

Importance of Garden Hoses

Garden hoses are used mainly for three purposes. They are used for:
• Watering plants or gardens and lawns
• Outdoor water activities such as car washing, pet washing or filling up the kids temporary swimming pool
• Transporting drinking water
These are almost all water task requiring a flow of water around the home hence a garden hose is handy if not a must-have unit.

Think about the hassle you would go through cleaning your car by fetching water manually in pails. Yet, you can simply connect a hose to the water source and attach a nozzle in case you need high water pressure for sparkling clean in the shortest time.

For watering plants, it depends on how you want to water them. You can use a sprinkler to spread water over large surfaces or a sprayer to concentrate water at one point.

All in all a garden hose saves you precious time and energy in your cleaning and watering tasks and assured safety for drinking water transportation.

How Else Would You Use a Garden Hose?

Quite interesting that apart from the ordinary water conveying uses, some people using their own innovations have discovered some unique applications of a garden hose. Here is what we found out.

  • Reversing a vehicle into the garage can be a challenge particularly to new drivers. How about girding corners of your garage at bumper level with lengths of hose, to prevent damage in case of a hit? Better than repairing a damaged trim.
  • Pass a shorter piece of garden hose on the wire handle of a bucket to have a palm-friendly bucket grip.
  • And this is perhaps the most interesting. Want to scare snakes away? Lay out a piece of your hose in a snake-like s shape and you have a match for stubborn snakes.
  • With a hose, you can solve your garden irrigation problems by running the hose on the wall and through the ground to your garden. This way, you don’t have to carry the hose around for irrigation, you just turn on the water source. Note that to run your hose on the wall, you would be needing some clips, a few screws, and a good cordless drill. The Pink DeWalt drill is quite good for this task.

Essential accessories of an expandable garden hose

An expandable garden hose can be accompanied by other accessories for efficient use. These accessories can be bought separately or as a set. These include:
• Reel hanger – Instead of hanging your hose on wall nails, a reel hanger is most convenient. It spreads out the weight of the hose evenly and reduces stress on the pipe.
• Storage sack – This helps you store in your hose after use. It makes the pipe occupy less space and guards it against surface damages such as scratches.

It is also important to avoid storing your hose under direct sunlight.
• Shut off valve – When connected to water, a shut-off valve blocks the other end of the pipe allowing the pipe to expand as water flows through it.

Once the pipe attains maximum size, the shut-off valve is turned on allowing the pipe to spray water.
• Spray nozzle – This sprays water under high pressure over surfaces depending on your application of the hose.

You can also purchase an oscillating sprinkler to attach to your hose. You can set the timer on your sprinklers or set spray areas depending on the sprinkler model.

Both the sprinkler and spray nozzle makes it possible for you to use your hose for different purposes.
• Wand nozzle – These are long handed nozzles used to get water to surfaces that are hard to reach for instance high walls or tight corners.
• Multiple connectors or manifolds – They turn one outdoor faucet into multiple faucets each with a shut-off valve for each connector in case you want to use one or all at the same time.
In addition to the above accessories, a good hose ought to be durable enough to give you between 5 to 10 years of useful service.

It is advisable to have an extra hose in case yours breaks down instead of repairing. For best performance, a hose should expand up to 3 times its size, self-drain after use, and be tangle or twist free.

You should also check that it meets the required standards. Although most people overlook this bit, it pays to do due diligence before purchase to avoid unnecessary inconveniences in future.

Operation and Maintenance Tips

As we had mentioned earlier on, a well-maintained garden hose will give you 5 to 10 years of good service. So, what does proper operation and maintenance entail?

• The first and perhaps most important step is to check the user manual for operation and maintenance guidelines as each hose will have its own guidelines for purchase.
• Never store your garden hose under direct sunlight as the sun damages and weakens them.
• Store your hose right by hanging it from a reel, coiling it around a hose pot, or hanging it from a hose hanger. These spread its weight evenly avoiding kinking and formation of weak spots.
• Be sure to drain off all water in the hose and detach its attachments before storing. This is to make sure it doesn’t expand and contract beyond what is allowable. In addition, thawing of frozen water within the hose is known to weaken its fabric.
• Invest in a wheel hose cart to move your hose around rather than carrying it in your hands. The cart is most applicable for heavy duty hoses as they not only damage but also strain your muscles if you carry them yourself.
• Hose guides placed on plant beds are important as they prevent the hose from damaging your plants. You can either purchase these or improvise some wooden stakes hammered in the ground.
• Water breakers placed at the end of your hose help reduce pressured water flow. A gentle flow spreads evenly on the soil surface, allowing the water to sip in slowly without damaging plants.

Frequently Asked Questions about Expandable Garden Hoses

1. Which is the best type of garden hose to buy?

This really depends on its application and how long you want your hose to last. However, most users have preferred the best garden rubber hoses for their flexibility because they do not easily kink.

2. What should I do if I notice my hose is leaking?

This could be a problem with your washer and you may need to replace it if it is an old one.

3. Which is the best way to manage water pressure coming from the hose?

There are several accessories for managing pressure depending on the flow you want to achieve. Use a sprinkler if you want water to spread around in circles in a gentle spray.

A spray nozzle is also ideal for this same purpose. Use a wand nozzle if you want a slim high pressured flow that goes a distance.

4. How best can I store my garden hose?

You can use a hose reel, hose pot, or a hose hanger for storing your garden hose.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Garden Hose

A good, resistant garden hose is a must have for any gardener hoping to make a worthwhile investment. As with everything else, buying the best garden hose may be difficult, especially since the market is overly saturated with so many poor quality hoses.

There is no universally ideal garden hose. The best garden hose for you depends a lot on your garden, which plants you have, and so on.
That being said, let’s see what factors to take into consideration in order to pick the best garden hose:

Hose Diameter and Water Flow – First, know that all hose diameter measurements are calculated inside the hose, not outside.

This, in essence, means that the most common hose diameters will range from half-inch to one-quarter of an inch. Your mission is to achieve an ideal blend of the water pressure and flow.

Overall, I’d say that a half-inch water hose makes an ideal for any garden. It delivers just enough water flow with a pressure that is not too heavy to damage your plants.

This diameter will also work well with most attachments.

Hose’s Material – Garden hoses are flexible, and they owe this flexibility to their materials. The most common materials from which garden hoses are made is vinyl, rubber or a blend of the two.

The expandable hoses will stretch to different lengths depending on their maximum expandable length as well as water flow.

Vinyl Garden Hoses – These are very lightweight, so they are good for elderly or people who have problems with their wrist, such as carpal tunnel.

They are also cheap, but they come out with a con: they are easily breakable. Kinking and cracking is a problem, which can be quite annoying to fix.

Rubber Garden Hoses – The best garden hose is made out of rubber. The hoses made of rubber are generally pricier, but they also come with some great benefits: They are sturdy, last longer, less likely to kink. One con would be that they are heavier, which makes it hard to carry around for a longer time.

Bottom line: If you have problems with your hands and wrists, a vinyl garden hose is the best garden hose for you. For anyone else, investing is a garden hose made of rubber will yield very positive results in the long term.

No matter what choice you make, do not drink water from the hose unless the hose comes with a label “safe for drinking”. Conventional garden hoses leach chemicals which can harm you.

Couplings – These are smaller hose parts but make the whole difference when you have to select the best hoses. This is because they play a significant role in ensuring that a hose handles its intended liquid pressure without damage, leaks, or safety hazards.

They are attached at the end of a hose to connect it to a water source, another hose, or other hose accessories like a sprinkler. The best couplings are made of metals like brass, stainless steel, and aluminum. Others will be made of plastic but these are not the best option.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and is preferred because it is non–ferrous. It is the best in terms of rust resistance and durability because hoses are all the time exposed to water.

Is it Time for a New Garden Hose? Here are the Pointers

After you have acquired the best garden hose for your needs and it has taken you several years of use and proper maintenance the inevitable is that it will wear out and you will need another one. A high-quality garden hose will last you up to ten years, perhaps more given some good maintenance.

What are some of the indications that your hose’s useful life has ended and that it’s time to get a replacement:

  • When it is worn out around fittings and constantly leaks at this point
  • When it develops kinks that won’t release when you stretch it out.
  • When the length of your hose has several hard spots, cracks, or splits.
  • When it develops blocks on the inside and won’t convey water.

Conclusion

Before buying a hose, you should know what it is you want to use it for. For instance, buy a specific drinking water hose if you intend to use it to transport drinking water.

For other outdoor activities, you should have in mind the length that you intend to use the hose within. For gardening purposes, decide whether you will want to attach a sprinkler or a sprayer to your hose.

With all these in mind, you can go online and check for popular brands. Check several garden hose reviews and manufacturer guidelines on how to use the hose.

Check for specific instructions if any. Remember a garden hose is supposed to make your life a little easier. Buy one that you completely understand how to use and store.

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