Garden hoses have a multitude of uses. They are not only used to relay water to your garden, but they can also help in watering animals, washing vehicles and other mechanical appliances, and supplying drinking water in an RV. There are many options to choose from nowadays. Choosing the best one goes a long way in saving you money and making your watering chores more relaxed and more efficient.
We understand that it’s not easy to select one that suits your needs. That’s why we’ve taken the time to research, read customer reviews, and consult experts, to come up with this list. Better yet, we have included all the relevant information to help you choose the best hose based on the type, material of construction, and adherence to safety regulations.
Garden Hose Reviews
Best Overall
Key Features
Rating: 4.3/5
For heavy-duty watering activities, Dramm watering tools are some of the best. They have over 70 years in manufacturing durable, functional, compatible pipes that are suitable for all watering applications around your home.
Our Verdict
The hose is ideal for regular garden maintenance such as watering flowers, pressure washing driveways, and washing cars. It features heavy-duty rubber, brass fittings, and high-pressure capacity. It’s a bit overwhelming for people with smaller gardens, but you can attach it to a hose reel to make it easier.
Premium Pick
Key Features
Rating: 4.2/5
This is a premium watering tool with some advanced features such as a retractable reel, and a locking mechanism. It also tops the list for our best rubber garden hose.
Our Verdict
It is quite expensive, but it not only offers excellent functionality, it’s safer and more efficient. It’s also composed of very durable materials. We would recommend it to people with vast farms, or people who may be physically limited.
Budget Pick
Key Features
Rating: 4.4/5
For equally durable, flexible, and heavy-duty hose at a lower cost, this Flexzilla model will do. It is lighter than other models, more comfortable to coil. Besides, the inner lining is safe for potable water.
Our Verdict
This is one of the lightest yet functional garden hoses. Since it comes in varying heights, it’s suitable for all watering activities around your home. Don’t worry about the kink feature, with a little pulling; it’s easy to unkink it. It also doesn’t block water when it kinks.
Key Features
Rating: 4.1/5
The Teknor Apex Neverkink features a unique mesh network that prevents it from tangling and kinking. It also features a wide diameter, making it suitable for commercial and home applications.
Our Verdict
Thanks to the mesh network and power coil, it is sturdy enough to work in commercial construction projects, as well as low-key home applications. It may feel heavy after some time, but it’s manageable. We also recommend it because it’s affordable.
Key Features
Rating: 3.7/5
This Craftsman model is composed of cheaper but durable materials. When used in the right way, you can rest assured that it will serve you for a long time.
Our Verdict
It is an all-round watering tool that lasts for long. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime warranty, so make sure you take advantage of that by ordering directly from them or their authorized dealers.
Key Features
Rating: 3.5/5
This is yet another lightweight, almost kink-free, and flexible watering tool. It features two layers, an inner core that facilitates water flow, and a more rugged outer jacket that makes it easy to pull it around the yard without damaging it.
Our Verdict
It’s excellent for home application, and light usage in commercial settings such as a construction site. Attempts to use it for heavy-duty activities will damage it very quickly.
Key Features
Rating: 4.4/5
For conveying water to your farm even during winter, this would be a great choice. It has an automatic heating system that prevents water from freezing. It also features nickel-[late connectors, and it’s approved for conveying drinking water.
Our Verdict
We recommend this hose to people in areas with freezing conditions. It heats the water continuously, even when the surrounding temperatures are warm. It would be a waste of electricity if you live in the tropics.
Key Features
Rating: 3.3/5
Water Right hoses are famous for their lightweight, PVC watering tools. The 400 series is no different. Weighing about 4 pounds, it’s easy to carry around your backyard. It’s also gorgeous, allowing it to blend in with other structures and ornamental plants on your lawn.
Our Verdict
Due to the size of the diameter, this hose is suitable for smaller tasks around your home. People who aren’t very strong will also love it for its super light and flexibility. It’s also one of the most virtually kink-free, but you have to follow the instructions of rolling it and storing it.
Key Features
Rating: 4.1/5
For a taste of the latest advancements in rubber technology, you can try out this hose. It offers a high burst pressure tolerance and a higher kink-free percentage, without compromising flexibility.
Our Verdict
Thanks to the ¾ diameter, and rubber and vinyl construction, it works great for lawn maintenance and watering of more extensive lawns. You need to be more careful with the connectors to avoid leaking.
Key Features
Rating: 4/5
Unlike most hoses that are composed of rubber, vinyl, or PVC, this one has a stainless-steel outer cover. This feature allows it to glide through rough surfaces. It’s also very durable. It’s a multipurpose watering tool that’s efficient and ensures safety for the plants and animals in your yard.
Our Verdict
The ¾ diameter ensures proper water flow for car washing and watering plants. It’s BPA, and lead-free nature makes it suitable for watering organic plants. It’s also light and can work under pressure. This makes it great for conveying hot water in an RV.
Buying Guide
There are several factors to consider if you are in the market for a garden house. Some of the main factors, include:
Length
Based on the reviews, lengths range from 25 to 100 feet. You need to measure the furthest distance from the water source, then get a hose that’s within that range, or slightly longer. If it’s too long, it reduces the water pressure. The extra length also adds unnecessary weight, it takes too long to drain, and it occupies a lot of storage space.
Diameter
Garden hoses come in 7/16, 5/8, ½ and ¾ inch diameters. 7/16 is the smallest, and it’s only suitable for small scale tasks; the bigger the width, the higher the water flow. 5//8-inch diameter offers the best water flow, and they are also not that heavy. ¾ inches are the best for large scale watering.
Material of Construction
The most common materials are vinyl, rubber. Stainless steel is also used, but it’s not very common. Vinyl is the cheapest, lightest, and less durable. Most budget-friendly hoses are composed of this material. It’s also more susceptible to kinking and tangling. This material is the best for light gardening tasks. Rubber, on the other hand, is heavier, more durable, and more expensive. It’s ideal for heavy-duty jobs. It’s also less prone to kinking. Also, the perfect hose should have a couple of layers; a lighter inner layer, and a more rugged outer layer. Vinyl and rubber may leach BPA, lead, and other harmful chemicals. Make sure you look for tools that are FDA and NFS grade. Steel is less susceptible to kinking when compared to rubber and vinyl.
Burst Pressure
For a lighter task, a burst pressure of at least 250 psi works fine. But for heavy-duty jobs, look for burst pressure of at least 350 PSI. You can also get an expandable hose which will help with handling more pressure.
Kinkiness/Flexibility
Most manufacturers compromise flexibility when trying to achieve a kink-free hose. You need to find one that is less stiff and is less kinky. You can’t make a 100% kink-free hose, but you can find one that bends up to 45 degrees without kinking, which is a good thing.
Couplings
These are the attachment provisions for sprinklers, nozzles, and spray heads. Brass and stainless couplings are the most durable, but they tend to be a little heavy. Aluminum couplings are lighter but less durable. Plastic ones, on the other hand, break easily, and they also leak. Also, look for linkages with a hexagonal shape. These will be easier to tighten with a wrench. Round couplings are hard to grip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Should a Garden Hose Last?
They should last for at least five years. But due to unavoidable circumstances, you end up replacing them after a year or less. To avoid this, you can start by buying the length that’s enough for your farm.
Which is the Best Size?
5/8 inches is the best all-purpose diameter.
What Causes a Kink?
A kink occurs when you turn the hose at 90 degrees. It may also happen when you store it in tight coils. You can purchase those made from reinforced rubber, or store them when stretched.
Final Thoughts
The Dramm ColorStorm meets the criteria of the best garden hose for several reasons. First, it has a 5/8-inch diameter and a 50 feet weight. The combination of these two factors offers an excellent water flow and a manageable weight for any type of watering task. It also features a high-quality rubber, which is kink-free and very durable. The couplings are composed of brass, and it features a 500 PSI burst pressure. Lastly, it comes in different colors, adding to the aesthetics of your backyard. It may be cumbersome due to the rubber construction, but this is a non-issue since it’s easy to mount it on a reel.