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The Best Garden Hoses To Make Watering Easy

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By Garden Gate Review Team
Last updated: Jul 19, 2023

After spending countless hours in the garden, testing and comparing a myriad of hoses, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you choose the best garden hose for your needs in 2023. As an avid gardener, I know that a reliable, durable, and easy-to-use garden hose is an essential tool. It can make all the difference in your gardening experience – from watering your plants to washing your car, or even setting up a sprinkler for the kids to play in on hot summer days.

In this review, we’ve considered factors such as durability, flexibility, length, material, and the type of connectors, to ensure that we recommend only the best of the best. We tested hoses from leading brands as well as some lesser-known contenders, putting them through their paces in real-world conditions.

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight option for small tasks, a heavy-duty hose for larger gardens, or an eco-friendly choice, we have you covered. This guide will provide you with detailed reviews and comparisons to help you make an informed decision. Stay tuned as we dive into the world of garden hoses and unveil our top picks for 2023. Let’s help you find the perfect garden hose that will not only meet but exceed your expectations.

 

Best Rubber Garden Hose
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Flexzilla Garden Hose
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Best Kink Free Garden Hose
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TheFitLife Garden Hose
Buy on Amazon
Best Metal Garden Hose
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Bionic Steel Garden Hose
Buy on Amazon
Best Expandable Garden Hose
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Flexi Lightweight Garden Hose
Buy on Amazon
Also Consider
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GrowGreen Garden Hose
Buy on Amazon
Show contents
The Best Garden Hoses on the Market
  • 1 Flexzilla Garden Hose
  • 2 TheFitLife Garden Hose
  • 3 Bionic Steel Garden Hose
  • 4 Flexi Lightweight Garden Hose
  • 5 GrowGreen Garden Hose

Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Perfect Garden Hose

When it comes to gardening, one size certainly does not fit all. Just as you would choose the right plants for your garden’s sunlight and soil conditions, selecting the perfect hose is also a tailored decision. This guide will help you navigate through the different types, sizes, materials, and features of garden hoses to find the one that’s just right for your green space.

Different Types of Garden Hoses

1. Light-duty Hoses: These are perfect for small gardens or patio plants. They’re usually thinner and lighter, making them easy to maneuver around pots and planters.

2. Medium-duty Hoses: Suitable for medium-sized gardens, these hoses offer a good balance between weight and durability. They can handle slightly higher water pressure and are ideal for regular watering tasks.

3. Heavy-duty Hoses: These are designed for large gardens and lawns. They’re made to withstand high water pressure and are often reinforced for extra strength and durability.

Choosing the Right Size

Garden hoses typically come in diameters of 1/2-inch, 5/8-inch, and 3/4-inch. A 1/2-inch hose is suitable for light watering tasks in small gardens, while a 5/8-inch hose provides sufficient water flow for medium to large gardens. For heavy watering tasks or larger areas, a 3/4-inch hose is ideal.

Material Matters

Rubber Hoses: Known for their durability and flexibility, rubber hoses are resistant to kinks and can withstand high water pressure. However, they are heavier and more expensive.

Vinyl Hoses: These are lightweight, affordable, and suitable for light-duty watering tasks. Their downside is that they’re less durable and more prone to kinking.

Polyurethane Hoses: An environmentally-friendly alternative, polyurethane hoses are lead-free and safe for drinking water. They offer good flexibility and durability but are usually more expensive.

Key Features to Look For

Adjustable Nozzles: These allow you to control the water pressure, making your hose versatile for different tasks.

Kink Resistance: A kink-resistant hose will save you from the frustration of constantly untangling your hose and prolonging its lifespan.

Water Flow Control: Some hoses come with built-in valves that let you adjust the water flow without going back to the faucet.

Related: Best Garden Hose Reel

Summary and Checklist

In conclusion, choosing the right garden hose involves considering the size of your garden, the type of tasks you’ll be using it for, the material that suits your needs, and the features that will make your watering tasks easier. Here’s a quick checklist to help you:

  • Determine the size of your garden and the type of tasks.
  • Choose the right diameter based on your needs.
  • Decide on the material: rubber for durability, vinyl for light tasks, or polyurethane for an eco-friendly option.
  • Look for features such as adjustable nozzles, kink resistance, and water flow control.

The Best Garden Hoses on the Market

1

Flexzilla Garden Hose

– Best Rubber Garden Hose
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Buy on AmazonCheck Price on Walmart

Amazingly flexible and really durable, the Flexzilla is an outstanding garden hose in all aspects. This garden hose weighs only 8 pounds, making it easy for people of all ages. It also comes in 5, 10, 25, and 75-foot lengths, and it has a bright green color that’s easy to recognize on your lawn.

The brand claims that this hose will withstand any low temperatures and handles a maximum pressure of 150 PSI. It’s also totally safe to drink out of it — getting some water is always refreshing when you’re working hard in your yard.

What sold this hose as the best for me is in the name: flexible. Navigating my garden with a heavy rubber hose just doesn’t cut it for me anymore, and I want to be able to easily maneuver without worrying about a hose cutting the heads off my roses.

Pros
  • Easy to move around with its light weight
  • I drink from my hose everyday and I will say, Flexzilla has tasted the best
  • Strong material is supportive enough to not worry about damaging it
  • Kink and tangle free: The most important aspect of a garden hose
Cons
  • I wish the water pressure was more significant, but it’s still enough to get the job done
2

TheFitLife Garden Hose

– Best Kink Free Garden Hose
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Buy on Amazon

TheFitLife Garden Hose is an excellent choice for anyone looking to handle a few small tasks around the house. This garden hose is amazingly lightweight, weighing only 2 pounds when entirely collapsed. The best part? It’s available in various sizes – you may get it at 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet long, depending on your needs!

Its 25-foot model is just 9 feet long when the water is turned off, making it convenient and easy to store. It’s made from a triple-layer of latex wrapped in elastic fabric and connects to standard 3/4-inch fittings. Thanks to a handy brass valve at the end of the hose, you can control the water pressure more effectively and adapt it according to the task at hand. If you’re into gardening, this one’s surely a reliable accessory to have by your side.

Pros
  • You will be able to connect two of these garden hoses together and reach any corner of your house
  • Durable and strong because of the strong elasticated polyester outer fabric
  • Ideal for any backyard and garden
Cons
  • The shutoff valve can be difficult to turn
3

Bionic Steel Garden Hose

– Best Metal Garden Hose
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Buy on Amazon

If you tend to be rough on your hoses, you may want a product like the Bionic Steel Garden Hose, which is made from lightweight stainless steel for unbeatable durability. It has a 1/2-inch diameter and also comes in 25, 50, and 75-foot lengths. Despite being constructed from metal, this hose only weighs a few pounds, and it’s still extremely flexible and can be maneuvered around trees and other obstacles in your yard. It has crush-resistant aluminum fittings, and it provides a 500 PSI burst strength. It’s a beast in the garden and I love it.

Pros
  • This garden hose is remarkably resistant to leaks and punctures
  • Flexible & easy to maneuver around tight corners
  • It is built to withstand extreme conditions
  • It delivers a high water pressure; 500 PSI burst strength
Cons
  • If it breaks, it can be difficult to fix
4

Flexi Lightweight Garden Hose

– Best Expandable Garden Hose
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Buy on Amazon

Whether you are cleaning the footpath, washing your dog, watering your yard, or having fun with your kids, the Flexi Expandable Garden Hose will help you get the job done with ease. The hose expands under below-average water pressure easily and comes back to its original size and shape when the water is turned off.

This water hose is available in 50ft, 75ft, and 100ft sizes and six different colors, including black, red,  and green. It has four layers of latex that protect the inner tube effectively from any types of thorns, punctures, and sharp corners. The included 8-pattern rotating spray nozzle is built out of durable zinc alloy and features a slip-resistant rubberized handle for extra comfort.

Pros
  • The Flexi hose is available in various colors and sizes (I’m a simple person: 50FT and black)
  • The included spray nozzle is made out of durable zinc alloy and can easily be replaced
  • Double latex core prevents kinks; a problem I’ve always been driven crazy by
Cons
  • While a low water flow can still expand the hose, it does always take me a minute
5

GrowGreen Garden Hose

– Also Consider
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Buy on Amazon

The GrowGreen has really outdone itself with this one! Last but not least, the GrowGreen Expandable Garden Hose is available in multiple sizes; 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet. It is also equipped with high-quality brass connectors, which can flawlessly fit on any standard-sized outdoor tap in your home. Whenever you need to switch off the water, you will be able to do it through a valve switcher. To top it all off, this high-standard flexible hose comes with a big storage sack that will push you to keep your garage organized!

Pros
  • Made of latex and polyester materials – making the hose is pressure-resistant and durable
  • Flexible enough to prevent tangling of the body
  • It returns to its size in just a couple of seconds right after you turn off the water
Cons
  • Some users complaint that the storage sack can easily rip off

People Also Asked

Q: How long does a garden hose last?

A: If you have a high-quality garden hose, then you should expect it to last for five to six years, but various factors can affect the lifespan of this tool. Proper maintenance and storage will surely boost your garden hose's lifespan and ensure it lasts as long as possible.

Q: What causes a garden hose to burst?

A: Mostly, hoses may burst due to high water pressure - if the pressure is higher than the one indicated by the manufacturer, then the hose will burst. So if you want to buy a new garden hose, check out our buying guide and see the top picks above to make a better decision.

Q: Can I recycle my garden hose?

A: A lot of people believe the best way to get rid of an old unusable garden hose is to recycle it. However, this is a really bad idea - not only are there many other materials that can make it difficult to break down and reuse, but they can also be very dangerous when placed in recycling machines.

Q: What size is a garden hose fitting?

A: The size of a garden hose fitting typically refers to the diameter of the hose itself. Most residential garden hoses come with a 5/8" internal diameter with 11.5NH or 11.5 threads per inch. Some professional or high-flow hoses are 3/4". Fittings have an external thread diameter of 1 1/16", with a thread pitch of 11.5 threads per inch (TPI). Male garden hose threads are all 3/4” with an outside diameter of 1.0625 and 11-1/2” threads per inch.

Q: How long does it take to fill up pool with garden hose?

A: The time it takes to fill a pool with a garden hose depends on both the volume of your pool and the flow rate of your hose. Typically, a standard garden hose delivers about 9 gallons of water per minute. That's 540 gallons per hour. To calculate the time it takes to fill your pool, you'll need to know the volume of your pool in gallons. Once you know that, use this formula:

Time = Pool Volume in Gallons / Flow Rate in Gallons per Hour

For example, let's say you have a small backyard pool that holds 5,000 gallons of water. The calculation would be:

Time = 5000 gallons / 540 gallons per hour ≈ 9.25 hours

So, it would take approximately 9.25 hours to fill a 5,000-gallon pool with a standard garden hose. Please note that this is an estimate. The actual flow rate can vary based on your home's water pressure and the diameter and length of your hose. It's also a good idea to check your water utility's regulations and costs before filling a large pool.

Q: What size is garden hose thread?

A: Garden hose thread sizes are standardized in the United States. The male threads on a garden hose, or the external threads, are 3/4" with an outside diameter of 1.0625 inches and 11.5 threads per inch. This is referred to as a 3/4" Garden Hose Thread (GHT). The female threads inside a garden hose, or the internal threads, usually come in 3/4 or 5/8-inch sizes, which refer to the internal diameter of the hose itself.

Q: How to repair garden hose?

A: Repairing a garden hose can be simple and cost-effective, depending on the type of damage. Here's a basic guide on how to repair a garden hose:

For Small Holes or Leaks:

  1. Clean and dry the section of the hose around the leak.
  2. Use electrical tape, duct tape, or specially designed-hose repair tape to cover the hole. Wrap the tape tightly around the hose for a few inches on either side of the hole to ensure a good seal.

For Large Tears or Damages:

  1. Cut off the damaged end or section of the hose using a sharp knife or a hose cutter.
  2. Use a hose mender kit to replace the cut-off section. Most kits contain a clamp and a connector (either male or female, depending on what end was cut off).
  3. Insert the connector into the cut end of the hose. Make sure it's pushed in as far as it can go.
  4. Secure the connector by placing the clamp over it and tightening it with a screwdriver.

For Leaky Coupling:

  1. Unscrew the old coupling.
  2. Replace the old hose gasket with a new one.
  3. Screw the coupling back on.
Remember to always check the hose for any further leaks after repair. In some cases, if the hose is too old or the damage is too extensive, it might be more economical and efficient to replace the entire hose.

Q: How many GPM is a garden hose?

A: The gallons per minute (GPM) flow rate of a garden hose can vary depending on its diameter and the water pressure. However, on average, a standard garden hose can deliver between 9 to 17 gallons per minute. A typical garden hose might have a GPM of around 12 to 13. For instance, a standard 5/8-inch garden hose delivers about 17 gallons per minute, while larger hoses, like a 3/4-inch hose, can use up to 23 gallons per minute. A smaller 1/2-inch garden hose would have a lower GPM. Keep in mind that these rates can be affected by factors such as the length of the hose, the water pressure at your property, and whether there are any attachments like nozzles or sprinklers on the end of the hose.

Q: How to make a sprinkler system with garden hose?

A: Creating a homemade sprinkler system using a garden hose can be a cost-effective way to keep your lawn or garden watered. Here's a basic step-by-step guide according to the information I found.

Materials You'll Need:

  • Garden hose
  • Hose splitter
  • Pressure regulator
  • Sprinkler heads
  • Hose clamps
  • Teflon tape
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Measure and Plan: Measure the area you want to water and plan out where you will place your sprinkler heads.
  • Prepare the Hose: If necessary, use a drill to make holes in your garden hose where you want the sprinkler heads to go.
  • Attach the Sprinkler Heads: Insert the sprinkler heads into the holes you've drilled in the hose. Secure them with hose clamps. Wrap the threads of the sprinkler heads with Teflon tape before screwing them into the hose to ensure a tight, leak-proof fit.
  • Attach the Hose Splitter: Screw the hose splitter onto your outdoor faucet. This will allow you to use your faucet for other things while your sprinkler system is running.
  • Install the Pressure Regulator: Attach the pressure regulator to the other end of the hose splitter. This will help control the water pressure to your sprinkler system and prevent damage to the hose or sprinkler heads.
  • Connect the Hose: Connect your garden hose to the pressure regulator.
  • Test Your System: Turn on the water slowly to test your system. Check all the connections for leaks and make sure the sprinkler heads are spraying properly. Adjust the water pressure as needed.
Please remember that this is a basic guide and may not suit all situations. Depending on your specific needs and the design of your garden, the process might vary.

Watering Tools & Accessories
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By Garden Gate Review Team
The Garden Gate Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you choose the best products for a beautiful and bountiful garden and backyard. The content is created by The Garden Gate Review Team. Garden Gate’s editorial staff is not involved. Garden Gate is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Please reach out to aimperiapt@gmail.com with any questions regarding product testing or specific articles.
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