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Are You Being Hosed? The 5 Best Garden Hose Picks for a Healthier Lawn
Updated on Oct. 21, 2024
A garden hose is an essential tool for any homeowner who wants a lush lawn or garden that’s the envy of the neighborhood. It also has a lot of other purposes, like washing your car, cleaning your patio and watering your flowers. But sometimes, certain tasks require certain types of hoses. And with so many options on the market, it’s hard to choose the best garden hose for the job.
When choosing the best garden hose, consider what you’re using it for, its length, diameter and material. You’ll also want to consider special features like kink resistance and the proper nozzles and sprayers. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or an expert gardener, here’s our top list of the best garden hose for different uses!
On Sale
Best Overall Garden Hose
Bionic Steel Garden Hose
Pros:
- Reliable, multipurpose hose
- Sturdy stainless steel construction
- Patented kink-free design
- Comes in three sizes
Cons:
- Can’t be used with hot water
The Bionic Steel Garden Hose takes the top spot in our list as the overall best garden hose because of its versatility. With its commercial-grade stainless steel construction, it’s built to last. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver despite being made of steel. It’s also resistant to corrosion, rust and kinking, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it under the sun or out during cold weather. Lastly, the Bionic Steel Garden Hose has a wide diameter and sturdy aluminum fittings that allow it to withstand high pressure and provide a steady water supply.
On Sale
Best Budget Garden Hose
Flexzilla Garden Hose
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Kink-resistant
- Inner tube is safe for drinking water
- Has easy-to-hold silicone handles
Cons:
- No spray nozzle included
Thanks to its hybrid polymer material, the Flexzilla Garden Hose stays flexible all year, no matter the season. It’s easy to lug around and does a good job staying flat. The hose is also reinforced with an extra durable layer that prevents abrasion, UV damage and mold growth. And if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll especially appreciate Flexzilla’s affordable price tag.
Pros
On Sale
Best Heavy-Duty Garden Hose
Briggs and Stratton Rubber Garden Hose
Pros:
- Industrial-grade hose
- Made from thick, kink-free rubber
- Nickel-plated brass couplings
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Quite heavy
If you need something heavy-duty that can withstand high water pressure, this Briggs and Stratton Hose is the best garden hose for your needs. It keeps its shape without kinking, no matter how much you pull, twist or fold. This hose withstands 500 PSI of water pressure and comes with durable, nickel-plated brass couplings to prevent leakage.
Best Expandable Garden Hose
Xhose Pro Expandable Garden Hose
Pros:
- Available in different lengths
- Has a durable, kink and abrasion-free fiber cover
- Comes with easy-to-operate on/off nozzle
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Variable water pressure due to expandable design
The Xhose Pro Expandable Garden Hose is a lightweight, compact hose perfect for small gardens and occasional heavy-duty watering tasks. It’s easy to store since it shrinks to a third of its size when not in use, saving you tons of space. It also has a durable, all-weatherproof outer fiber cover that prevents kinking and abrasion damage. And better yet, it lays flat on the ground and coils easily. Modify the water pressure with an on/off nozzle and crush-resistant solid brass fittings.
Best Soaker Garden Hose
Rocky Mountain Goods Flat Soaker Hose
Pros:
- Conserves up to 70% of water
- Comes with connectors and caps
- Lightweight construction
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Limited pressure
If you’re looking for the best garden hose primarily for watering your home garden, the Rocky Mountain Goods Flat Soaker Hose is a fantastic option. Utilize the flat design to set up and change positions with ease. Also, its soaker holes provide a consistent seep, helping you conserve up to 70% of water compared to a regular garden hose. The durable double-layer is PVC-lined, making it resistant to abrasion and punctures.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Garden Hose
One of the first things to consider when buying the best garden hose is the hose length. Fortunately, most garden hose options come in different lengths ranging from 15 to 100 feet. Figure out the size of your garden and estimate the distance between the outermost perimeter of your garden and the garden spigot. Make sure not to get a hose that’s too long since longer hoses may reduce water pressure, affecting the performance.
Secondly, you should factor in the hose diameter. A standard hose should suffice for regular use, but if you’re going to do some heavy-duty watering tasks, you’ll want a larger diameter hose. Lastly, consider the material. Hoses are made of a variety of different materials such as rubber, vinyl or stainless steel. Weigh the pros and cons of each material to find the one that suits your needs the most.
Types of Garden Hose
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Standard Garden Hose: The most common type of garden hose. These are usually made of rubber or vinyl and are versatile enough to handle a range of gardening tasks.
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Soaker Hose: The main purpose of this type of hose is to release water at a slow and even pace. Soaker hoses are laid down directly onto the soil, making them an efficient option for watering plants at the roots without wasting water.
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Expandable Hose: From the name itself, an expandable hose is designed to expand when used and contract when the water is turned off. Expandable hoses are also easy to transport and store—a great option for homes and gardens with limited spaces.
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Flat Hose: Flat hoses are lightweight and flexible, making them easy to wind up and store in small spaces. Like expandable hoses, they’re a great space-saving option.
FAQ
What garden hose lasts the longest?
The durability of the hose depends on factors like materials and construction, but typically, thick rubber hoses with reinforced layers and heavy-duty fittings last longer than other garden hoses.
Are expandable hoses better than rubber hoses?
It depends on your needs. If you have limited space and want something lightweight, expandable hoses should be your pick. But if you want a hose that can provide higher water pressures, you’ll want to go with rubber hoses.
