Best Garden Hoses: Guide & Recommendations

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Updated October 13, 2023

With countless options available, picking the right garden hose can seem overwhelming. Small differences in material and design can greatly impact a hose’s durability and ease of use.

A high-quality garden hose can last between 5 to 10 years. However, many homeowners find themselves replacing lower-quality hoses annually due to issues like leaks or cracks. Investing in a quality hose may save money in the long run.

In this article, we'll outline key features to consider when purchasing a new garden hose, so you can make an informed choice.

If you're eager to see our top recommendations, scroll down to Types of Hoses.

How to Choose the Best Garden Hose for You

No single garden hose is perfect for everyone. The best hose for you depends on your specific needs, including the size of your garden, intended use, storage space, and budget. Here are six important factors to consider:

Important Considerations When Buying a Garden Hose

1. Length: Longer is Not Always Better

Garden hoses come in lengths of 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet. While it might be tempting to purchase the longest hose available, longer hoses are heavier, require more storage space, and tend to lower water pressure.

Measure the farthest distance from your water spigot and select a hose that slightly exceeds that distance. For decks or balconies, a 25-foot hose usually suffices. Urban areas might be best served by a 50-foot hose.

2. Hose Diameter: Wider Means Better Water Flow

Common diameters are ¾ inch, ⅝ inch, and ½ inch. A ⅝-inch hose offers a good balance of water flow and ease of handling.

If weight is a concern, a ½-inch diameter hose may be ideal for light tasks but isn’t suitable for high-pressure tasks like car washing.

3. Material: Rubber is Best

Hoses are typically made from rubber, vinyl, or a combination of both. Rubber hoses are more expensive but are durable, can handle hot water, and resist cracking. Vinyl hoses are cheaper and lightweight but less sturdy.

For heavy-duty use, rubber hoses are the best choice.

Be cautious with both rubber and vinyl hoses as they can leach chemicals. If drinking water safety is a concern, choose hoses labeled “drinking water safe.”

4. Strength: Consider Burst Pressure

The burst pressure indicates how much internal pressure a hose can withstand. Look for a hose with a burst pressure over 350 psi if you intend to use a sprinkler or nozzle.

5. Flexibility: Avoid Kinking

A flexible hose is easier to coil and store, but overly flexible hoses may kink and eventually split. When shopping, perform a kink test by bending the hose into a U-shape. If it kinks, consider another option.

6. Couplings: Opt for Cast Brass

Couplings are the end pieces that connect hoses to spigots or nozzles. Metal couplings, especially cast brass, are more durable than plastic ones.

Look for couplings with a large octagon shape for easier tightening and consider hoses with a collar to reduce kinking near the spigot.

Types of Garden Hoses

Here are the most common types of garden hoses along with our recommendations:

Lightweight/Light Duty Hoses

Often made from vinyl, these hoses are budget-friendly but may kink more easily. They are suitable for smaller areas and infrequent use. We recommend checking local stores for suitable options.

Regular and Heavy Duty Hoses

These are generally more durable and have higher burst strengths. Some recommended products include:

Price Reduction

Dramm ColorStorm Premium Rubber Garden Hose

This resilient, virtually kink-free hose is available in 6 colors.

Flexon PH5850 50FT Commercial Black Premium Rubber Hose

Featuring crush-proof solid brass couplings and a high burst strength.

NeverKink 8844-50 Series 4000 Commercial Duty Pro Garden Hose

Guaranteed not to kink with lead-free aluminum couplings.

Expandable Hoses

Expandable hoses are lightweight and compact but may not last as long and can rupture under high pressure. We currently recommend:

AeroFlex Stretch Hose

This hose stretches to a full-size 5/8 inch diameter and has shown no signs of wear over extensive use.

Drinking Water Safe Hoses

If you or your pets will be drinking from the hose, choose a "drinking water safe" model:

Camco 22853 Premium Drinking Water Hose

Twenty percent thicker than standard hoses and made in the USA.

Water Right PSH-050-MG-4PKRS Polyurethane Lead Safe Hose

Molded with chrome-plated machined brass fittings and available in four colors.

Soaker Hoses

Ideal for garden irrigation, these hoses let water seep into surrounding soil. Recommended products:

Dramm 17010 ColorStorm Premium 50-Foot Soaker Garden Hose

Made from recycled material with nickel-plated brass fittings.

Apex 1030-100 Soil Soaking Hose

Available in various lengths and made from durable vinyl material.

Coiled Hoses

Best for small spaces and hand watering, coiled hoses are easy to store:

Water Right PCH-050-MG-6PKRS Polyurethane Lead Safe Coil Hose

Stretching just over 40 feet with chrome-plated machined brass fittings.

Flat Hoses

Flat hoses are lightweight and easy to store but may puncture or kink easily. They’re suitable for occasional use in straight lines.

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

With many options available, selecting the right garden hose can be puzzling. This guide will help you understand different types, features, and tips for choosing a garden hose.

What to Know Before Buying a Garden Hose

Before purchasing, consider factors like hose length, diameter, material, and flexibility to find the best fit for your needs.

Length

Choose a hose long enough to reach from the water source to where you need it. Garden hoses typically range from 25 to 100 feet.

Diameter

A ⅝-inch diameter hose is standard and handles both residential and light commercial needs effectively.

PSI

PSI stands for pounds per square inch and measures water pressure. Higher PSI hoses are tougher and more suited for high-pressure tasks.

Material

Rubber hoses are the most durable. Vinyl and polyurethane hoses are lightweight but don’t last as long. Opt for materials that suit your climate and usage frequency.

Flexibility

A flexible hose is easy to coil but may kink more easily. You can also consider expandable and coiled hoses based on your storage space and usage.

What Is the Most Durable Type of Garden Hose?

Rubber hoses are generally the most durable and suitable for heavy-duty tasks.

Types of Garden Hoses

Here are the common types of garden hoses and their uses:

Heavy Duty

These all-purpose hoses are thicker and more resilient, suitable for frequent and intense use.

Lightweight

Perfect for smaller areas and less frequent use, though they may kink more easily.

Sprinkler or Soaker

Ideal for garden irrigation, these hoses have holes to disperse water evenly over a large area.

Zero Gravity

Lightweight but durable, these hoses are good for both light and heavy tasks, such as pressure washing.

Expandable

Compact and extendable, these hoses save space but may not last as long as heavier hoses.

Flat

Collapsible when empty, flat hoses are easy to store but are generally less durable.

Coiled

Durable and easy to store, coiled hoses are ideal for small spaces and hand watering.

Is a Vinyl or Rubber Hose Better?

Rubber hoses are more durable, while vinyl hoses are lightweight and often better for warmer climates.

What Is the Best Garden Hose on the Market?

The best garden hose depends on your specific needs and budget. Reviews from 2022 highlight various models based on features and user satisfaction.

To explore a range of high-quality garden hoses from trusted brands, visit your nearest home improvement store or garden center.

As a leading sanitation hose supplier, MIC offers a variety of products to meet your gardening needs. Our team can help you find the best solution for your garden hose requirements.