Best Garden Hoses: Guide & Recommendations

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Updated August 21, 2018

With so many options to choose from and little visible difference between garden hoses, it’s tempting to simply choose the cheapest one. But small differences can have a big impact on how long the hose lasts and how easy it is to use.

A good garden hose should last 5 to 10 years. But many homeowners who buy lower quality hoses end up replacing theirs each year due to leaks, cracks or rot. Although some problems can be repaired, it’s generally more cost-effective to buy a good quality hose to begin with.

In this article, we review the features to consider when buying a new garden hose so that you’ll know what to look for in choosing a quality product.

If you’re just interested in the different types of hoses and our recommendations for the best garden hose, scroll down to Types of Hoses.

How to Choose the Best Garden Hose for You

There isn’t just one kind of garden hose that’s perfect for everyone. What works best for you will depend on the size of the area in which you’ll be using it, what you’ll use the hose for and where you’ll store it, as well as your budget. But, in general, there are six things you should consider when choosing a garden hose.

Important Considerations When Buying a Garden Hose

1. Length – Longer is Not Better

Garden hoses come in 25-, 50-, 75- and 100-foot lengths. It’s tempting to buy one longer hose and use it for all of your watering needs around the garden. But don’t do it. Not only do longer hoses cost more, but they’re heavier to move around, need more storage space, can be difficult to drain before putting them away for the winter, and can result in lower water pressure coming out the end.

Measure the farthest distance from your spigot and buy a hose that goes just beyond that. You don’t want to tug on the hose to stretch it out as that’s likely to cause snags or leaks.

On a deck or balcony, a 25-foot garden hose is usually fine. Most urban yards need only a 50-foot hose, at most. If you need a longer length of hose than 50 feet, consider buying two hoses and joining them together when you need to go beyond 50 feet. That way you’re not lugging around a long, heavy garden hose all the time.

2. Hose Diameter – Width = Water Flow

The most common garden hose diameters are ¾ inch, five-eighths inch and half inch. These measurements are based on the inside diameter of the hose, not the outside. The bigger the diameter, the more water the hose will carry.

A hose width of five-eighths inch is generally most useful. It’s a good combination of water flow and pressure without being too heavy.

If hose weight is an issue for you, a half-inch hose may be best. They tend to be lighter weight but because of the smaller diameter they don’t carry as much water. Half-inch garden hoses are best kept to 50 feet or less and used for light-duty gardening tasks, such as watering containers and hanging baskets. These hoses are not appropriate for use with sprinklers or anything that requires higher water pressure (like washing your car).

3. Material – Rubber is Best

You’ll commonly find garden hoses made of rubber, vinyl, or a combination of the two.

A basic vinyl hose (usually reinforced with a radial cord) is the least expensive and most lightweight option but also the least sturdy. It’s more prone to kinking, splitting and cracking than other materials and can degrade quickly if left in the sun or exposed to harsh weather. But if budget is an issue and you’ll only be using the hose for light duty gardening tasks, then a vinyl garden hose can be a good option.

Rubber hoses are generally the strongest and most long-lasting, but also carry the highest price tag and can be heavy to haul around the garden. Rubber has the added benefits of being able to carry hot water, being less likely to kink, and resisting cracking and ozone deterioration (so they don’t fall apart if left in the sun). For heavy duty use and a hose that lasts through many seasons, rubber is the best choice.

A middle-of-the-road option is a composite rubber/vinyl garden hose.

Reinforced hoses (usually reinforced with a mesh lining between layers of vinyl and/or rubber) are more resistant to kinking and splitting, and can take higher water pressure levels.

Although additional layers (or “plies”) tend to suggest a stronger hose, don’t put too much stock in this figure—the number of layers doesn’t matter as much as what those layers are made from. A strengthening “mesh” layer is a good sign, other things being equal.

Be careful with both rubber and vinyl garden hoses as they leach chemicals into the water than make it unsafe to drink. If you or your pets will be drinking from the hose, invest in a “drinking water safe” hose. These are generally made from polyurethane and have been specially built so as not to leach harmful chemicals.

4. Strength – Look at Burst Pressure

Garden hose strength can be measured in terms of “burst pressure” (the water pressure at which it is likely to rupture). If you’ll be using a hose nozzle or a sprinkler, look for a hose with a burst pressure above 350 psi. For pressure washer use, check your manual before buying a hose – you may need an even higher psi.

5. Flexibility – Try the Kink Test

You want a garden hose that’s flexible (for easy storage, going around corners, etc.) but not so flexible that it kinks easily. Kinking leads to splitting and shortens the life of your hose. While all garden hoses will kink if twisted (yes, even the “kink-free” hoses), some are better than others. In general, reinforced and rubber hoses are less likely to kink than other kinds.

When shopping for a garden hose, bend it into a U. If it kinks, pick another.

6. Couplings – Look For Cast Brass

Garden hose couplings are the end pieces that attach to spigots, sprinklers and nozzles.

Less expensive hoses often have plastic couplings. Avoid these – they’re more prone to leaks, cracks and breakage and often can’t be tightened properly. Plastic also breaks down quickly, particularly when left in the sun.

Metal couplings (usually brass, although many are chrome plated) are either stamped or cast. You can identify cast brass because it’s thicker than sheet metal and usually has an octagonal shape so that the coupling can be turned with a wrench. Couplings made from cast brass are the most durable and leak-resistant. Thin stamped-metal fittings can be difficult to tighten at the spigot, bend easily (so don’t step on it or run over it with the lawnmower or car), and break down over time.

All else being equal, a large octagon-shaped coupling is easiest to tighten, particularly for those of us with stiff fingers or lower grip strength.

While many hoses come with a washer inserted into the coupling, these are often thin plastic washers that quickly break down. We always recommend that you use a high quality rubber washer (such as this one from Gilmour) at the connection point between the hose fitting and the spigot or nozzle. This will help prevent leaks.

Look for a collar. Quality hoses often have a plastic or rubber “collar” extending perhaps four to six inches up the hose from one coupling. This reduces the odds of a kink or split near the spigot, where they are particularly common.

Types of Garden Hoses

Below are descriptions of the most common types of garden hoses, along with our recommendations. Hover over each product name or image for pricing details.

Lightweight / Light Duty Hoses

These hoses are generally made from vinyl (sometimes with a reinforcing mesh or multiple plies (layers)) so can kink more easily, often have plastic fittings, and tend to come in thinner diameters but prices are in the lower range.

If you’re gardening on a budget, won’t be using it often, don’t need a long hose (over 50 feet), and have lower water pressure or don’t use a sprinkler or hose nozzle, then a lightweight hose will probably meet your needs.

While you can find light duty hoses online, your best bet is to visit your local home improvement store or garden center. You’ll find some of the heavier duty hoses there as well, but many of them are perfect for light duty use.

Regular and Heavy Duty Hoses

Price Reduction

Dramm ColorStorm Premium Rubber Garden Hose

This incredibly tough, virtually kink-free rubber hose stands up to the elements (mine has been out in the sun for 5 years). Available in 6 fun colors!

Flexon PH5850 50FT Commercial Black Premium Rubber Hose, Multi

With crush-proof solid brass couplings, high burst strength, and a 10-year warranty, this heavy-duty rubber garden hose is built to last.

Briggs and Stratton 8BS50 50-Foot Premium Heavy-Duty Rubber Garden Hose
>> Thick rubber with nickel-plated brass couplings. Stays flexible in very cold weather and can be used with hot water up to 200F. Made in the USA.

Scotts SMF58050CC MaxFlex Premium Heavy Duty Garden Hose, 5/8-Inch by 50-Feet, Green
>> Lead-free for safe drinking, with heavy-duty aluminum couplings, reinforcement at the spigot end, and a 500psi burst strength. Features ‘Lay-Flat technology’ to resist kinking.

NeverKink 8844-50 Series 4000 Commercial Duty Pro Garden Hose, 5/8-Inch by 50-Feet
>>The company guarantees this hose not to kink. Has a coiled collar at the spigot end, lead-free aluminum couplings, and an anti-microbial to prevent build-up of mold and mildew. Stays flexible down to 45 degrees. Made in USA.

Tuff-Guard The Perfect Garden Hose, Kink Proof Garden Hose, 5/8-Inch by 50 Feet
>> This hose has a unique polypropylene double helix coil around the hose’s exterior to give it stability. It’s flexible but kink-free. 300 psi burst pressure. Machined brass couplings.

Gilmour 10058050 8-ply Flexogen Hose, 5/8-Inch by 50 Feet
>> With a lifetime replacement guarantee, this hose stays flexible at temperatures below freezing, has brass couplings and a collar, and a 500 psi burst strength rating.

Expandable Hoses

You’ve probably seen ads on TV for these scrunchie-like hoses that expand up to three times their length when filled with water. They’re very lightweight (usually around 1 lb) and usually come in bright colors. Most are ½ inch in diameter and have adequate water flow comparable to a non-expandable garden hose of that diameter, but not what you’d get from a regular hose.

Although they do expand as advertised, over time expandable hoses tend to stop contracting properly, leaving you with a hose that’s difficult to coil or store. Be aware that when you open the nozzle after the hose is expanded it will shrink (sometimes dramatically) as the water pressure in the hose decreases.

And if you have high water pressure or leave the full hose in the sun, expandable hoses are prone to rupturing because of the thin (non-reinforced) and highly flexible inner tube.

Having said that, many people do like expandable hoses because of the light weight. They’re best stored out of the sun, treated gently (they usually have crack-prone plastic couplings, although some of the hoses listed below have brass couplings), and used for hand watering, rather than being hooked up to a sprinkler or soaker hose. And be prepared to replace your hose frequently…

We’ve tested a range of expandable hoses and there is only one we recommend at this time.

AeroFlex Stretch Hose

This hose is kink-free, lightweight but very durable, and easy to coil or store away. Plus, unlike other expandable hoses, it stretches to a full-size 5/8 inch diameter and 50 feet in length. With a 5-year warranty and no signs of wear after almost a year of extensive use in the garden, it is clearly built to last.

Drinking Water Safe Hoses

If you or your pets will be drinking from the hose or if you’re using it to fill a pool that will be used by children, make sure that your garden hose doesn’t leach harmful chemicals.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from MIC.

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Fuel fill and vent lines

Most garden hoses are made with materials like plasticizers that give the hose flexibility but also contain chemicals, like BPA, lead, and phthalates, that find their way into the water in the hose. While these chemicals don’t harm your plants, they are toxic to humans.

Look for hoses labeled “drinking water safe” or at least “lead-free” – you’ll often find them sold for recreational use, such as for use in boats and RVs. These hoses are made with non-toxic, FDA-approved inner cores that don’t leach harmful chemicals.

And let water run through the hose until it’s cold before watering your vegetables or other edibles (chemicals leach from the hose and concentrate in the water as it heats up inside a hose that’s been left in the sun).

Camco 22853 Premium Drinking Water Hose (5/8″ID x 50′)
>> 20 percent thicker than standard drinking water hoses and leaves no strong plastic taste in your drinking water. Machined nickel-plated brass fittings and strain-relief ends for added durability. Made in USA.

Water Right PSH-050-MG-4PKRS Polyurethane Lead Safe Ultra-Light Slim Garden Hose, 50-Foot x 7/16-Inch, Olive Green
>> Chrome-plated machined brass fittings with collars on both hose ends. 7/16-inch inside diameter handles 4-5 gallons per minute flow rate, although this is less than the typical 5/8″ hose. Comes in four colors. Made in USA.

Plastair Marine/RV SpringHose PUWE625B9-M-3-AMZ 25-foot 3/8-inch Drinking Safe Water Hose, Blue
>> This lightweight hose is built primarily for marine use (with anti-salt water corrosive fittings) but works well for watering in small areas. Only stretches out to about 15 feet so buy a longer one if you need more reach.

Soaker Hoses

Soaker hoses are typically used for garden irrigation. These hoses are often made of recycled rubber and plastics and have porous walls. When the water is turned on, it oozes out through thousands of tiny holes in the hose, letting water seep out into or onto the surrounding soil.

Soaker hoses can either be laid directly on the ground (preferably below a layer of mulch), buried just under the surface, or even buried 6 or more inches deep (this is commonly done in large vegetable beds).

Soaker hoses come in a variety of diameters and lengths, from ¼-inch (these typically are part of a drip irrigation system and can be cut to length) to ¾-inch (these are the large black hoses you often see in garden centers). The larger hoses can be difficult to handle as they’re not very flexible. Use garden stakes to hold them in place and let them lie in the sun for a while to “soften up” before laying them in the garden.

Soaker hoses are best for relatively level sites and shorter lengths (although ¼ soaker hose can be effective for up to about 100 feet). If you’re using a large diameter soaker hose you’ll need decent water pressure to ensure that water seeps out along the entire length of the hose.

Dramm 17010 ColorStorm Premium 50-Foot-by-5/8-Inch Soaker Garden Hose, Black
>> Made from recycled material with nickel-plated brass fittings and extra thick walls to minimize spurting. Has a lifetime guarantee. >> READ OUR REVIEW!

Miracle Gro MGSPA38050FM Premium Soaker Hose with Fittings, 3/8-Inch by 50-Feet
>> This hose has no attached couplings. Instead, you cut it to the desired length and insert the provided friction-fit, plastic male and female fittings. With two of each, you can even cut this into two separate hoses.

MELNOR Flat Soaker Hose, 25-Feet
>> This flat soaker hose is made from a woven/mesh material and has plastic couplings. It’s not a hose that you’d bury but it’s more flexible than a rubber soaker and works well with low water pressure.

Apex 1030-100 Soil Soaking Hose, 100-Feet
>> Unlike most soaker hoses, this one is made from vinyl for better flexibility. Available in a 25′, 50′, 75′ and 100′ lengths. Made in the USA.

Snip-n-Drip Soaker Hose System
>> These 1/2-inch hoses are easily customizable to meet your irrigation needs – just cut pieces to length and connect. Includes 50′ of 1/2″ soaker hose, 25′ of 1/2″ garden hose, 1 faucet adapter, 1 quick-connect coupler, 8 hose couplers and an end cap. From Gardener’s Supply. >> READ OUR REVIEW

Raindrip 015005T 1/4-Inch by 50-Feet Porous Soaker Tubing
>> This 1/4-inch porous tubing is typically used as part of a drip irrigation system. You’ll need to buy 1/4-inch barbed fittings and provide a 1/2-inch or larger water supply line, but it’s an efficient way to water and easy to set up.

Coiled Hoses

A coiled hose is formed into a tight spiral that pulls together when not in use and can be pulled out for use (some to an almost straight length of hose). They generally come in shorter lengths (15-foot and 25-foot lengths are most common, although some companies make longer ones) and a ½-inch or smaller diameter (resulting in lower water flow and pressure compared to a typical garden hose).

Because of the coils, these hoses tend not to stretch out to the full length. For example, a 25-foot hose may only extend 15 to 20 feet so take that into consideration when buying one.

And storage can be a little tricky; coiled hoses can’t be stored on a hose reel and will quickly tangle if placed in a large pot or storage bin. There are wall-mounted and stand-up hangers made for coiled hose storage but I’ve found that the coils get caught on the hanger.

Coiled hoses are best for hand watering and use in smaller areas, such as a patio or balcony, where the hose can be stored out of the way.

Water Right PCH-050-MG-6PKRS Polyurethane Lead Safe Coil Garden Hose, 50-Foot x 3/8-Inch (Olive Green)
>> Chrome-plated machined brass fittings with a collar and a 12-inch section of straight hose at both ends to make it easier to attach and use. Drinking water safe. Stretches just over 40 feet. Made in USA.

Flexon PCH5850 Coil Hose, 50 feet (Green)
>> Features a coil spring hose protector and solid brass compression couplings, plus a faucet adapter. 5/8-inch diameter at widest point (it’s somewhat oval shaped).

Swan Self Coiling WRHC1200050 50-Foot Water Hose (Blue)
>> A little thinner and softer than the other hoses but lightweight.

Flat Hoses

Flat garden hoses are similar to a fireman’s hose; they’re round when full of water but flatten down when empty. They’re generally lightweight, easy to roll up (they’re self-draining) and take less storage space than a conventional hose, but can be difficult to store without a hose reel.

Some flat hoses are sold with a hose reel but for ones that aren’t, check that they will fit with your existing reel (or the one you’re considering buying).

Because they’re very flexible (so that they can flatten out), flat garden hoses are generally made of vinyl, puncture and kink more easily and have a lower burst pressure rating. They also don’t work very well when pulled around corners. Plus, you have to unroll the entire hose before turning on the water.

Flat garden hoses are best used when storage space is an issue and the hose will be used in a straight line over a surface without many snags. In general, these are not the best choice for frequent use in the garden and there are none that we recommend for that purpose.

Video Resources

How to Repair the Damaged End of a Garden Hose

How to Fix a Ruptured, Punctured or Leaking Garden Hose

Now over to you – Which garden hoses have you used? What did you like? Not like? Let us know in the comments below!

Last update on 2024-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What is the best garden hose on the market? What is the best garden hose that won’t kink? Is vinyl or rubber better for garden hoses? These are just a few of the many questions that bombard people’s minds when they shop for hoses. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with so many options. This garden hose buying guide will help you better understand the types of hoses. When you understand the types of hoses for gardening, it’s easier to pick the right one for your needs.

What to Know Before Buying a Garden Hose

Before you buy a garden hose, be sure to read this entire guide. It’s important to understand types, features, sizes, and materials. Some also have special features beyond the basic features. Once you know what’s out there, it’s easier to find the right water hose.

Length

How long of a hose do I need? You’ll need a hose long enough to reach from the water source to where you need it. If you have a measuring tape, you can measure the distance. For example, imagine you have a water source in front of your house. If you’re building a garden in the backyard, you’ll need to know the distance. You can either buy a long hose or use connectors to connect two. Be sure to read on about hose features and types before you select one based on length. Garden hoses usually come in sizes between 25 feet and 100 feet. However, there are shorter ones as well.

Diameter

What size is a standard garden hose? Are three-quarter-inch or five-eighths-inch garden hoses better? These are questions many people ask. The short answer is probably a five-eighths-inch hose. Most nozzles and attachments fit this size of hose, which makes it the standard size. Unless you’re looking for commercial hoses for professional applications, look for a five-eighths-inch hose. They come in various lengths and types. You may also be wondering how to measure garden hose diameter. Since the package of a new hose includes diameter size, it usually isn’t necessary to measure. However, if you’re buying an unpackaged hose that’s used, you can use a tape measure.

PSI

This is an acronym for pounds per square inch, which is the water pressure and speed the hose can handle. You’ll see a PSI number on the packaging. Higher numbers indicate tougher hoses.

Material

Most garden hose types come in rubber, vinyl, or polyurethane. While polyurethane and vinyl weigh less, they don’t usually last as long as rubber. Also, there are metal and polymer hoses. A polymer hose is considered safe for drinking water. This could be helpful if you have kids who may drink from the hose. They kink but don’t tend to split easily.

Flexibility

You can often determine how flexible a hose is by its type and material. A hose should be flexible enough to coil. If a hose is extremely flexible, it’s bound to kink easier. This can lead to splitting. Also, there are expandable hoses, which you’ll learn about with hose types. They’re alternatives to coiled hoses.

What Is the Most Durable Type of Garden Hose?

As a rule, rubber garden hoses are the most durable. People who are looking to buy the best garden hoses usually end up buying rubber ones. However, it’s still important to consider types in addition to material.

Types of Garden Hoses

The right garden hose type depends on what you need it for. Do you need a light-duty garden hose? Perhaps you need one that is much tougher. These are common types you’ll encounter when you shop and their uses.

Heavy Duty

This is one type of all-purpose hose. While many are made from rubber, you may also find some metal ones. Although metal hoses are pricier, they don’t typically kink. Heavy-duty water hoses are thicker, sturdier, and have higher PSI numbers. Although these hoses are available in shorter lengths, most are longer. They do take up more space for storage. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to replace them as frequently as cheaper hoses.

Lightweight

This is the second type of all-purpose hose. Lightweight garden hoses come in several varieties. There are standard ones, which are ideal for smaller areas since they tend to kink. These are some other types of lightweight garden hoses.

Sprinkler or Soaker

You can find sprinkler or soaker hoses that have holes in the sides. Soaker hoses have more holes. You can lay these types of hoses in your garden to water larger areas.

Zero Gravity

This hose is about 50% lighter than most lightweight garden hoses, and reviews say it’s more durable than many other hoses. It’s one of the newer types of garden hoses for lighter or heavier uses. For example, many people use it for pressure washing. Many people say that this is one of the best light-duty garden hoses. There’s also a pro version of the hose, which has a three-quarter-inch diameter instead of a five-eighths-inch diameter.

Expandable

How long of a hose do I need? If that’s a top question of yours, this hose may be a good choice. An expandable hose looks small but may triple or double in size. It expands when it fills with water. Are expandable garden hoses worth it? That depends on how long you want yours to last and how you take care of it. A potential drawback is that they don’t last as long as heavier ones. However, their compactness is ideal for smaller spaces.

Flat

Unlike an expandable hose, this type doesn’t get longer. Instead, this garden hose is collapsible when it’s empty. A flat hose is good for smaller spaces and easier coiling. Due to its design purpose, the materials used to make it don’t tend to last a long time.

Coiled

If you want a lightweight hose that’s more durable, a coiled one is better. It’s easy to store but tends to come in shorter lengths. As a rule, if you need a longer hose, it’s good to pick a heavy-duty garden hose.

Is a Vinyl or Rubber Hose Better?

As noted before, rubber is more durable. Does this mean all vinyl hoses aren’t durable? No. If you live in a warmer climate, a vinyl hose may be fine. Vinyl tends to fare better in climates where it’s not exposed to freezing temperatures. However, if you live in a cold climate, you can bring the hose inside during the winter. The right choice of material depends on your budget, hose length needs, and purpose.

What Is the Best Garden Hose on the Market?

What’s the best garden hose of 2022? Many review sites test garden hoses and publish reviews. They usually categorize them based on type or features. For example, they may list the best collapsible garden hoses or best light-duty garden hoses. Some may include the best garden hoses for heavy-duty needs. So, what’s the best garden hose? There’s no universal answer. The best garden hose for you is the one that fits all your needs and budget. However, reviews can help you identify a list of favorable brands or specific products.

Now that you know more about picking a gardening hose for your needs, you can start shopping. To find a variety of high-quality garden hoses from trusted brands, visit your nearest True Value store.

The company is the world’s best sanitation hose supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.