Below you'll find more of our top garden hose picks, as well as expert tips and advice on choosing the right garden hose for your needs.
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"There is no perfect hose for every application," Schanen says. "Buyers need to weigh convenience with durability, price with longevity, and then consider special features they might like. A good hose can cost quite a bit more than what you might pick up at the hardware store, but odds are you'll have it for much longer and have less frustration with it."
To compile this list of the best garden hoses, we tested 30 garden hoses in our Lab, evaluating them on design, ease of use, durability, and value. For expert advice on what to look for in a garden hose, we turned to Erin Schanen , creator of The Impatient Gardener, as well as Gary McCoy , store manager at Lowe's.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the right garden hose. Whether you're looking to use a garden hose for lawn care , small container gardening, or even cleaning, you'll need to determine which features are most important to you.
This coil hose in particular stands out for two reasons: its material and design. Like our Best Heavy-Duty hose, it's made from UV-stabilized polyurethane, an extremely durable, flexible, and lightweight material that's resistant to punctures and abrasions. The couplings are made from lead-free brass that proved durable enough to withstand three months of use. In terms of design, this garden hose has unique straight tail ends as opposed to being coiled all the way through, which makes it easier to direct the flow of water and attach it to the spigot. Plus, it's safe to drink from. It&#;s worth noting that this hose does have a rather small diameter at 3/8 inch, which can restrict the water flow, so it's best reserved for low-pressure watering.
Coil garden hoses are ideal for watering small areas, such as small flower beds or vegetable gardens , porches, patios, or even urban container gardens , because they don't require you to lug a full-size hose around just for these tasks. We found this hose extremely easy to carry and even easier to use. Plus, it rebounds into its original shape for easy storage&#;no worrying about coiling it back around a reel.
Even after leaving the hose outside for three months, it maintained the same performance. We did, however, have some difficulty loading the hose back onto the reel because of kinking. You should also be careful not to turn the water pressure too high (no more than 60 PSI), as this may cause the hose to burst. Overall though, this is a great soaker hose that allows you to deliver water right to the roots of your vegetables, flowers, or shrubs without lugging a hose to and from storage.
We found the hose to be lightweight and easy to maneuver around obstacles like flower beds or pots. It even held up well to being dragged through rocks and over a rake. The PVC material is treated with UV inhibitors, so it can withstand years of use even in the hot sun.
Rather than spraying water, which can evaporate before it reaches the ground, this soaker hose releases water slowly and steadily through its pores to give a deep, even soak to plant roots. We noticed what looked like condensation on the outside of the hose as the water began seeping through the pores. According to the manufacturer, this flat soaker hose can release an impressive 2 gallons of water every two minutes.
This lightweight and easy-to-maneuver hose can release an impressive two gallons of water every two minutes.
While the manufacturer notes that it can withstand up to 200°F we noticed the black rubber got very hot from sitting out in the sun, so you may want to avoid leaving it out in hot weather. The black hose may be difficult to spot in your lawn, though we appreciate that the neutral color is discreet and unobtrusive.
The material felt extremely durable, and the hose held up well after being dragged across rocks, grass, and a rake. It&#;s available in four lengths, ranging from 25 feet to 100 feet, making it the perfect partner in crime for spaces of any size. The nickel-plated brass couplings are high-quality and easy to screw onto nozzles and spigots.
For heavy use, a rubber hose provides long-lasting durability at a much lower cost than polyurethane. Despite rubber&#;s reputation for being cumbersome, we found this hose easy to carry, even when filled with water.
It gets very hot to the touch if left out in the sun.
In our testing, the hose didn't kink at all, and was significantly lighter than rubber, another material lauded for its durability. It comes equipped with lead-free brass fittings and is safe to drink from. During the at-home portion of our testing, the hose proved a bit too short for practical use. However, it&#;s available in 10 different sizes, ranging from 6.5 feet to 200 feet. Just note that this pick costs almost three times as much as our Best Overall pick, so it may not be necessary for those with occasional hosing needs. Still, the 10-year warranty should give you peace of mind.
Polyurethane is the new kid on the block when it comes to garden hoses, but it's quickly becoming the gold standard because it's lightweight, flexible, and extremely durable. Described by the manufacturer as the "most durable garden hose available," the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose is puncture-, kink-, crush-, and abrasion-resistant, so you can drag it against rocks or asphalt without worry. Fun fact: It's made from the same material used for in-line skates. Given its durability, we expect that it would withstand heavy long-term use.
It's puncture-, kink-, crush-, and abrasion-resistant, so you can drag it against rocks or asphalt without worry.
As a helpful bonus, this hose comes with high-quality brass fittings and includes a spray nozzle with eight different settings, so you don't have to worry about purchasing one separately.
The major drawback to expandable garden hoses is that they tend to be less durable, given that they're made with fabric that allows them to expand as the hose fills with water. That said, we were impressed by the durability of this model, which snagged the least out of all the expandable hoses we tested, thanks to its triple-ply latex inner tube and durable polyester covering. After three months of use, the hose continued to work seamlessly. However, given that it is an expandable hose, we do suspect that it will sustain some damage over time.
Expandable hoses swell as you fill them with water and contract as you flush them out, saving you storage space while still giving you the length of a full-size hose. In our testing, The Fit Life's Expandable Garden Hose was the best out of all the expandable hoses we tested. We found it to be incredibly lightweight and flexible, even when full. When you're done using it, simply open the valve on the brass fitting to release the water and watch the hose shrink back to its original size (about one-third of its fully expanded length). Once the hose returned to its original size, we found it very easy to coil.
The couplings are made from anodized aluminum with an easy-grip coating that made it easier to attach to the spigot and drag across the lawn. The lime green color makes it easy to spot in the yard, too. Even better, the hybrid polymer inner tube material is safe to drink out of, whether you're filling your pet's dish or drinking straight from the hose yourself. It doesn't have the most burst strength out of all the hoses on our list, but for everyday watering , it&#;s more than adequate.
For daily watering needs, the Flexzilla Garden Hose is a great all-purpose option. Made from a flexible hybrid polymer, it is extremely malleable, so you can maneuver around patio furniture or any other obstacles that may be in your way. We found the manufacturer's claim that this hose is kink-resistant to be true and noticed that it straightened out nicely when unwound from the reel . Just keep in mind that this is one of the heavier hoses on our list, especially when full.
Final Verdict
Our top pick is the Forever Steel 304 Stainless Steel Hose because it's impossible to puncture or kink, yet remains lightweight and flexible for maneuvering around the yard. Plus, it has the highest burst strength on our list at 500 PSI. If you have limited storage, we recommend TheFitLife Expandable Garden Hose. This pick was the most durable of all the expandable hoses we tested, and it contracts when not in use to save space.
Our Testing Process
We put 30 garden hoses through a series of tests, bearing in mind that not all garden hoses serve the same purpose, nor are they all meant to perform in the exact same way. First, we picked up each coiled hose and assessed whether it felt cumbersome or light, considering the size and material.
Next, we used the couplings to connect each hose to a water spigot&#;and again to a feeder hose&#;to evaluate whether the hose had a tight seal or if any leaking occurred. We then unwound the hoses all the way out from the reel and dragged them across different surfaces including grass, cement, and even a garden rake with its tines turned up, pivoting 180 degrees and maneuvering around three large pots in our testing area. During this portion of the testing, we took careful note of any punctures or signs of wear on the hose.
For our final test, we sprayed water from each hose for two minutes and then turned the water off without emptying the water from the hose. We then attempted to wind the hose back on the reel, taking note of how easy or difficult it was to do when the hose was full. Finally, we repeated the tests above, only this time we depressed the hose nozzle to release the water and then attempted to wind the hose onto the reel again. Each garden hose was scored based on its design, ease of use, durability, and value.
Following the Lab tests, we took the top-performing hoses home with us to evaluate their performance after months of use.
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
How to Shop for Garden Hoses Like a Pro
Type
Several types of garden hoses go beyond just your standard hose, each coming with benefits and drawbacks. "Choosing a hose is an exercise in compromise because there is no perfect hose," Schanen says.
Standard hoses are a great choice for all-purpose watering and cleaning: "Standard hoses are the most popular choice because they do the job well, but they have to be coiled and can be prone to kinking," Schanen says. You can find both lightweight and heavy-duty standard hoses, the latter of which McCoy says may be better suited for hot water and heavy, continuous use. "Hoses should always be used with ambient water temperatures, so hot water should only be used in hoses specifically designed for hot water use," he says.
Expandable hoses are lightweight and compact, but can expand two to three times their size when filled with water. Since they shrink back when not in use, these are ideal for those with limited storage space. Unfortunately, their flexible material comes with a trade-off&#;they're more susceptible to rips and snags than other hoses (The Fit Life's Expandable Garden Hose was the least prone to snagging of all the expandable hoses we tested).
Soaker hoses are best for delivering water slowly and deliberately to the roots, but Schanen notes that they often need to be pinned down to stay in place. They can even be buried under a layer of mulch, according to McCoy, who says that "the hose leaks small amounts of water directly to your garden or flower bed's roots with little waste."
Coil hoses are meant for watering small areas without the inconvenience of lugging around an extra-long hose or winding it back onto the reel because it retracts on its own into a neat coil. However, coil hoses tend to be very short and can get tangled from time to time.
Material
Polyurethane: According to Schanen, polyurethane offers "a good blend of durability and weight savings and [is] less likely to kink." It's considered to be the most durable material out there, and it's lighter than rubber (but more costly, too).
Rubber: Rubber hoses are second only to polyurethane in durability, and they are much more affordable. That said, they can be quite heavy when filled with water.
Vinyl: Vinyl is a lightweight and inexpensive alternative to rubber, but it's generally not as durable and is more prone to kinking.
Stainless steel: These hoses are most often constructed with a waterproof interior surrounded by coils of stainless steel for enhanced durability. Garden hoses are usually made from 304-grade stainless steel because it's less likely to rust and corrode.
Link to HESPER
If you plan to drink from your garden hose, it's important to note that not all garden hose materials are safe for drinking: "If you take an occasional drink from your hose on a hot day, get a hose that's designated boat, marine, or recreational," McCoy says. "Their plastic lining makes them safe for transmitting drinking water. It's important to remember that the components used in standard hoses aren't always safe for ingestion."
Size
There are three factors to consider when looking at the size of a garden hose: diameter, length, and weight. According to Schanen, a 5/8-inch diameter is the standard size for a garden hose and works best for most purposes. "A 3/4-inch hose will offer great water pressure, but will be quite heavy," Schanen says. "Half-inch hoses are a delight to use because they are light, but you won't be able to run most lawn sprinklers with them, and you might not even get spray from a hose-end sprayer." Coil garden hoses may run even smaller, usually about 3/8-inch, given they are meant to water a smaller area.
Garden hoses typically range in length from 25 to 50 feet (although the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose offers more size variety, ranging from 6.5 feet to 200 feet long). While you want a hose that's long enough to reach wherever you're looking to water, the water pressure will diminish with length: "Buy a hose that's long enough to reach where you'll be using it and no longer," McCoy says. "If you occasionally require a long hose, buy two shorter ones and combine when needed."
Finally, consider the weight of the hose you choose. As stated earlier, rubber hoses tend to be the heaviest. Generally, weight and durability go hand in hand (with some exceptions), so look for a hose that you feel confident you'll be able to manage, yet will still give you years of use.
Burst Strength
The "burst strength" of a garden hose is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and indicates how much water pressure the hose can endure before bursting. The higher the PSI, the more durable the hose. Soaker hoses and coil hoses generally require less pressure to function properly, so it's best to keep the water pressure low to avoid damaging the hose.
Couplings
Couplings, or fittings, are the end pieces that connect the hose to the water supply. &#;End fittings are just as important as the hose material,&#; Schanen says. &#;Look for brass or plated brass alloy fittings for the longest life, something that's especially important if you are investing in a hose you expect to use for several years. Aluminum and plastic fitting are unlikely to last as long, but are lighter.&#;
Real Simple / Rachel Marek
More Garden Hoses to Consider
NGreen Flexible and Expandable Water Hose: We found this hose easy to carry and coil, and it didn&#;t tangle or kink at all in our testing. However, it did leak a bit where it attaches to the outdoor spigot.
23 Water Right Soaker GardenHose: Thanks to its lightweight design, this polyurethane hose is incredibly easy to maneuver. Just keep in mind that it only comes in beige, which may be an acquired taste for some.
Questions You Might Ask
How can you prevent garden hoses from kinking and knotting?
Because garden hoses are often stored in tight coils for long periods of time, they can be prone to kinking and knotting, which can in turn restrict water flow. &#;If you can store it without coiling (by laying flat), that is optimal, but when coiling is necessary, start with the hose stretched out and then coil,&#; Schanen says. Thicker materials such as rubber or heavy-duty garden hoses are generally more kink-resistant.
What's the best way to store a garden hose?
Although laying your hose out flat in three or four long sections is ideal for preventing kinking and knotting, we recognize that this is not always practical. There are many different storage mechanisms for garden hoses, including reel wagons, pots, hangers, and more. To store your hose, Schanen suggests first stretching your hose out straight before coiling it, and never forcing a coil into place: &#;Sometimes you may have to alternate coils, so one is tucked under the previous coil (don't worry, it will still pull out fine).&#;
You should also avoid leaving the hose out in direct sunlight, as McCoy says hot water can expand in the hose, and UV rays can weaken the material. &#;Also, make sure to store it out of the elements during winter,&#; he says.
Do you need a garden hose nozzle for your hose?
A hose nozzle attaches to one end of the hose to help control the flow and distribution of the water. Some nozzles allow you to alternate between different spray patterns, while others feature a set stream of water. A hose nozzle helps to prevent water waste by giving you superior control over the direction of the flow and by allowing you to shut off the flow when not in use. For cleaning projects, fireman-style nozzles provide a powerful spray.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 30 garden hoses in our Lab, evaluating them based on design, ease of use, durability, and value. For expert advice on what to look for when shopping, we consulted Erin Schanen, creator of The Impatient Gardener, as well as Gary McCoy, store manager at Lowe&#;s.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team&#;put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.