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If you are looking for the best way to grow a green, luscious garden, then a regular watering schedule will be your best friend. While it can be tough to remember to water your plants each and every day, having a consistent schedule will help your plants grow strong and tall.
Finding the best garden hose can be a challenge. There are water hoses for just about every application, from washing your car to watering your flowers. When you start breaking down the other factors in buying a hose, like its length, power, shape, or drinking water safety standards, it can get even more confusing. From short garden hoses, heavy duty garden hoses, kink-free garden hoses, flexible garden hoses, lightweight garden hoses, rapid flo hoses…the list is exhausting.
What’s a frazzled shopper to do? Consider our guide for finding the best garden hose. We’ll help break things down for you.
Best Garden Hose: Top 12 Picks
No matter what kind of grass or other plants you have, you need a garden hose reel that will help you get the job done. Here are the top 8 garden hose reels you can find.
Rubber
Dramm 17006 ColorStorm Rubber Garden Hose
- Dimensions: 60 x 0.62 x 0.62 in
- Weight: 9 Ibs
- Brand: Dramm
Rubber
Craftsman Premium Rubber Garden Hose
- Dimensions: 6 x 12 x 12 in
- Weight: 10 Ibs
- Brand: Craftsman
Rubber
Apex, 8695-25, Commercial All Rubber Hot and Cold Water Hose
- Dimensions: 23.5 x 18 x 11.5 in
- Weight: 5.6 Ibs
- Brand: Apex
Rubber
Briggs and Stratton 8BS100 100-Foot Premium Heavy-Duty Rubber Garden Hose
- Dimensions: 1,200 x 0.62 x 0.75 in
- Weight: 18.8 Ibs
- Brand: Briggs & Stratton
Lightweight
ELEY Drinking Water Safe Polyurethane Garden Hose
- Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 6 inches
- Weight: 14 Ibs
- Brand: Eley
Lightweight
Water Right 400 Series Polyurethane Slim & Light Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose
- Dimensions: 15.3 x 13.3 x 3.3 inches
- Weight: 4.1 Ibs
- Brand: Water Right
Lightweight
Gilmour 824501-1001 Flexogen Heavy Duty Watering Garden Hose
- Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 4 inches
- Weight: 4.78 lbs
- Brand: Gilmour
Lightweight
Flexzilla Garden Hose, 5/8 in. x 50 ft., Heavy Duty, Lightweight
- Dimensions:1 x 0.6 x 1 inches
- Weight: 7.66 lbs
- Brand: Flexzilla
Metal
Forever Steel Hose (25' 304 Stainless Steel Garden Hose
- Dimensions:9.1 x 8.5 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 2.82 lbs
- Brand: Forever Steel Hose
Metal
Tiabo Metal Garden Hose
- Dimensions:9.9 x 9.8 x 4 inches
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Brand: Tiabo
Metal
Touch-Rich 100' 304 Stainless Steel Garden Hose
- Dimensions:12.8 x 12.3 x 5.1 inches
- Weight: 10.05 lbs
- Brand: Touch-Rich
Metal
BEAULIFE New 304 Stainless Steel Metal Garden Hose with 8 Functions
- Dimensions:12.8 x 12.4 x 5.4 inches
- Weight: 10.35 lbs
- Brand: Beaulife
Best Rubber Garden Hose
When you are in the market for the best garden hose, you naturally want to select a durable pick that will last a lifetime. While no product will last forever, a rubber hose is a good choice if you are looking for a compromise between hose weight, function, and durability.
1. Dramm 17006 ColorStorm Rubber Garden Hose
This rubber garden hose isn’t only attractive, it’s also highly functional. Available in several colors– including berry, yellow, red, orange, green, and blue– this is a premium rubber kink-free garden hose. It coils up easily in cold weather and is heat resistant up to 160 degrees.
This hose comes with a lifetime guarantee and has crush-proof nickel-plated couplings that resist corrosion. It is available in lengths of 25 and 50 feet and can be found in diameters of either ½ or ⅝ inch, depending on the kind of task you need to get done. If you’re looking for a functional garden hose that’s also easy on the eyes, this is the one for you.
What We Like:
- Available in multiple colors, lengths, and diameters
- Can be used in cold or warm weather
- Nickel-plated couplings are tough and corrosion-resistant
What We Didn’t Like:
- Doesn’t hold up well when stored directly in the sun
This hose, manufactured by outdoor tool giant Craftsman, is a heavy-duty option that has received top marks by professional landscapers, construction workers, and other people who rely on their tools to get the job done. This hose is a bit heavy but offers unparalleled durability. It is resistant to bending and kinking and is 100% guaranteed for as long as you own it.
Why is it so strong? This hose is reinforced with radial tire cord, providing 500 PSI burst strength. The hose can remain flexible in temperatures as low as 25 degrees below zero as well as all the way to 160 degrees. The hose is available in a standard size of 50 feet, but can also be found in other lengths as well.
What We Like:
- Withstands temperature fluctuations with ease
- Durable and resilient
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
What We Didn’t Like:
- Residue from the black rubber casing can rub off on your hands
3. Apex, 8695-25, Commercial All Rubber Hot and Cold Water Hose
This hose is flexible and easy to maneuver in the garden. An inexpensive option for a rubber hose, it lasts for years before needing to be replaced. It’s not stiff, nor is it over-heavy. Designed for heavy industrial use, this hose can be used with both hot or cold water. It has a rigid sleeve to prevent kinking at the faucet and comes with leak- and crush-resistant couplings.
This hose is made in the United States with reinforced construction for added durability. Available in lengths of 25 and 50 feet, it comes with a lifetime guarantee. It’s a great choice for use in the garden as well as in agricultural and greenhouse environments. Many customers report success in using it in restaurants, too, a testament to its safety and ease of use.
What We Like:
- Can be used with hot or cold water
- Comes with leak-resistant couplings
- ⅝ inch diameter offers excellent water flow
What We Didn’t Like:
- Aluminum connection ends corrode over time
Another excellent heavy duty hose option, the Briggs and Stratton 8BS100 is available in lengths of 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet. It is a bit heavier than some of the other products we reviewed, but nevertheless is kink-resistant and holds up well to inclement conditions.
This hose can handle both cold and hot water with ease. It has nickel-plated female and male brass couplings, allowing you to manage any task. It is difficult to break and has excellent water pressure with its ⅝ inch diameter.
What We Like:
- Has a crush- and kink-resistant design
- Offered in various lengths to help you get the job done, no matter what
- Excellent for use in cold weather
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be rather heavy as you increase the length of this hose
Best Lightweight Garden Hose
If you spend a lot of time watering your garden, a lightweight garden hose is a must. Not only can it be backbreaking work to lug around a heavy hose, but it can also damage your plants and lawn to leave a heavy hose lying around on them.
It can be tough to find a good garden hose made out of lightweight materials. Manufacturers have found interesting ways to lessen the load of a typical garden hose, incorporating a range of materials including polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer (a mixture of plastic, rubber, and polypropylene), and more to help cut down on weight.
1. ELEY Drinking Water Safe Polyurethane Garden Hose
The ELEY Drinking Water Safe Polyurethane Garden Hose is one of the most durable garden hoses around. Resistant to tears, punctures, cuts, and abrasion, this hose is not only kink-resistant, but it’s also lightweight.
You can purchase it in a variety of lengths ranging from 25 feet all the way up to an impressive 200 feet. At its shortest length of 25 feet, this hose only weighs about 4 lbs.
This hose is equipped with crush-proof, lead-free brass fittings and is rated to 150 PSI and down to temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Made in the United States, this hose comes with a ten-year No Leak Warranty.
What We Like:
- Made out of lightweight polyurethane
- Drinking-water safe
- Comes with an inner tube and outer cover that are both strong and durable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Adding length to this hose adds a lot of weight– the 200 ft model is 29 lbs
2. Water Right 400 Series Polyurethane Slim & Light Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose
This hose comes in several lengths ranging from 25 to 100 feet so that you don’t have to cut down on function to lose some weight. This hose is drinking-water safe and made out of durable polyurethane. You can purchase it with either brass or stainless steel fitting options, but either way, it only weighs around three pounds (for the fifty-foot length).
This hose can pump out 4.5 gallons per minute, allowing you to get your garden watered quickly. Slim and easy to transport, this hose is also easy to store. It is flexible and available in a range of colors so that you don’t need to settle for an ugly hose. It does kink at times, but it can survive extreme temperatures without breaking or become degraded.
What We Like:
- Comes in a range of colors, diameters, and lengths
- Lightweight at only 3 lbs
- Slim and easy to store
What We Didn’t Like:
- Has a tendency to kink
3. Gilmour 824501-1001 Flexogen Heavy Duty Watering Garden Hose
This hose is a dynamic pick, weighing in at less than five and a half pounds with a length of fifty feet. If you’re looking for a shorter or longer hose, however, Gilmour manufactures other lightweight hoses in lengths of 25, 75, and 100 as well. This hose comes with a ½ inch diameter, boasting superior pressure and water flow that holds up to intense cold and heat. It has an all-weather performance rating and its slim diameter keeps weight low.
This hose comes with a unique easy to grip design, making it easier to tote around your yard. It is made out of rubber, nylon, and foam, using thin layers of each material to provide extra durability.
What We Like:
- Holds up well to cold and heat
- Excellent water pressure despite a smaller diameter
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can occasionally kink and fold when hooked up to a sprinkler or self-watering system
4. Flexzilla Garden Hose, 5/8 in. x 50 ft., Heavy Duty, Lightweight
This garden hose is ranked as one of the best flexible garden hoses of all time. It is offered in several sizes ranging from three feet all the way up to a whopping 100 feet. The 50-foot model comes with a ⅝ inch diameter and a SwivelGrip bend restrictor with a rotator. This makes it easier than ever to reach the trickiest corners of your garden.
This hose does not kink under pressure and is also easy to store in a garden hose reel. It has couplers made out of crush-resistant aluminum. These are easy to turn and operate.
What We Like:
- Easy to use aluminum couplers
- Excellent water pressure
- Does not kink
- Flexible even in cold weather
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can develop mold during storage if not stored and cleaned properly
Best Metal Garden Hose
It can be frustrating to have to untangle your hose, repair damages, or fix kinks. A metal hose gets rid of all of these problems. Metal hoses are designed to resist breakage and they also won’t leak.
They can hold up to harsh conditions, including bites from animals or normal wear and tear. They also tend to be less sensitive to heat. If you need a rugged hose that gets the job done, a metal garden hose is the way to go.
1. Forever Steel Hose (25' 304 Stainless Steel Garden Hose
This lightweight hose is easy to move and is also kink-resistant. It comes with an advanced flex ridge that allows it to be flexible in any setting, but it’s also puncture proof and built to last. Weatherproof, tear-proof, and leak-proof, this hose can tackle just about anything.
It is enclosed in durable stainless-steel so that you will have consistently high water pressure. It can withstand corrosion and damage alike with its nickel and chromium construction.
What We Like:
- Does not absorb heat from the sun, always staying cool to the touch
- Resists puncture and corrosion
- Allows you to connect several hoses
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fittings are not made out of stainless steel but instead less-durable aluminum
2. Tiabo Metal Garden Hose
This metal garden hose is also made out of durable stainless steel. It is lightweight, coming in at fewer than ten pounds, and is 100 feet, so you can get the job done no matter how far away you are. This hose reflects heat away from the sun, making it easier to handle in hot weather. It can withstand most weather conditions and will not puncture when caught on rocks, edges, or sticks.
What We Like:
- Comes with a nozzle with 7 spray options
- Resists punctures and tangling
- Can be connected to several hoses and is easy to coil and store
What We Didn’t Like:
- Has not been tested for use with drinking water
3. Touch-Rich 100' 304 Stainless Steel Garden Hose
This garden hose is one of the best stainless steel garden hoses around. It is extremely strong and has the ability to withstand up to 1000N pulling force. It provides 250 PSI water pressure and has a corrosion and rust-proof outer shell. The inner hose, on the other hand, is free from lead, phthalates, and BPA, meaning the water that flows through this hose will be safe to drink.
What We Like:
- Tangle and rip-free design
- Can be used with various nozzles
- Weatherproof and shock-resistant
What We Didn’t Like:
- Hose ends are made out of plastic
4. BEAULIFE New 304 Stainless Steel Metal Garden Hose with 8 Functions
This hose is yet another great option if you are looking for the best metal garden hose. It is made out of high-grade metal that resists corrosion and rust. At the same time, it can operate under high pressure and resist breaking. It has a flexible metal design that is tear and tangle-resistant. Easy to store and roll up, it weighs less than 11 lbs at a length of 100 feet. Despite being a massive 100 ft garden hose, it is still relatively easy to manage.
What We Like:
- Large hose diameter of ¾ inch
- Has a wide tolerable temperature range
- Comes with an eight-pattern nozzle fitting
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not rated as drinking water safe
How to Choose a Garden Hose
You can find garden hoses in a wide variety of styles, sizes, colors, and features. While some hoses are engineered to resist tangling or to be extra durable, others are better at protecting you from germs when you drink water directly from the hose. There are even eco-friendly hoses available for purchase!
There are some key considerations to make when you are shopping for the best garden hose for your needs. Let’s break them down.
Measurements
When you are shopping for the top-rated garden hose, you’ll see a lot of references to its length and diameter. Remember that a longer hose is not always better– you need a tool that will get the job done and won’t take up more space than necessary.
Usually, garden hoses are available in lengths of 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet. You might feel tempted to purchase a longer hose than needed but remember: the longer it gets, the heavier and more unwieldy it gets.
Instead of going overkill, measure the distance between your water tap and the furthest place of your garden in which you plan to use the hose, then select a hose that is slightly longer than this to prevent overstretching. This is easiest to do with a digital distance tool, which will measure the distance needed with a laser. You could also use an open reel measuring tape, which can give you a reading on distances of several hundred feet.
The next measurement to consider is the width. Most hoses come in diameters of ¾, ⅝, and ½ inch. The larger the diameter, the faster water can be pushed through the hose. Most hoses are sold in a diameter of ⅝ inch, which allows for excellent water pressure without bogging down the hose and making it overly heavy.
Material: Vinyl, Rubber, or Metal
While we’ll cover the best rubber garden hoses, best lightweight garden hoses, and best metal garden hoses later on in this article, first you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each material. While most hoses are crafted from vinyl, rubber, or a blend, you can also purchase hoses made out of other synthetic materials or even metal.
- Vinyl hoses are the way to go if you are in the market for a cheap hose. This is also the material you will want if you are looking for a lightweight garden hose. However, vinyl hoses tend to split and crack more easily than other materials, giving them less value in the long run.
- Rubber hoses are more durable and are less likely than vinyl to become damaged or to kink. However, they are quite expensive and can be punctured over time. Rubber hoses tolerate temperature changes well, allowing you to use them in a variety of weather conditions as well as (usually) hot or cold water. They resist twisting and deformation and have a longer shelf life than vinyl hoses.
- However, they can be heavy when compared to hoses made out of synthetic materials. And while rubber is a natural material, sometimes the materials used to make rubber hoses can contain toxic substances or heavy metals, so they aren’t always safe for use with drinking water.
- Metal hoses can be heavy but do not kink and are remarkably hard to damage. They are also resistant to breakage of most kind, as well as to the elements.
Strength and Flexibility
Next, you’ll need to consider the strength and flexibility of your hose. Finding a hose that is built to last will save you from stress. If you are planning to use a hose with a sprinkler or a nozzle, make sure you select a hose with a burst pressure above 350 PSI. Your hose should also be flexible enough to bend and move easily, even when you’re rolling it up for storage. However, it shouldn’t be so flexible that it kinks all the time.
Extra Features
Here are some other suggestions of things to consider when shopping for a garden hose:
- Ability of the hose to handle hot and cold water
- Safety of drinking water from your hose
- Materials that are used to make the hose fittings
- Nozzle type
- Availability of a warranty
Recap
At the end of the day, the easiest way to maintain the health and vitality of your garden is to provide it with consistent regular waterings. Yet you don’t want to waste more time searching for the right garden hose than you do actually watering the plants! You need to find the best hose for your needs– and fast.
Whether you’re looking for a short garden hose, a long garden hose, a lightweight garden hose, a heavy duty garden hose– or a hose that offers you the best of it all!– these picks can help you make the best decision for your watering needs.
