Best Garden Hoses of 2022

An expandable garden hose can make your life easier due to its lighter design. They are also more compact when not in use, therefore easier to store.

• Hose length: The most important feature to check out when buying an expandable hose is its length, to determine if the hose you want can expand to the size you need. The length on the package usually refers to the maximum size the hose expands to.
• Durability: Expandable hoses are usually made from thinner materials capable of stretching, and that makes them more prone to punctures. You should check both the material of the core and the density of the outer layer – a triple layer latex core and high-density shell deliver higher durability.
• Water pressure: These hoses work best if you have high water pressure, as they need good pressure to expand at full length.
• Hose storage: Where will you store the hose? Do you have an enclosed space to keep it when not in use? UV light and extreme temperatures can damage this type of hose.

Rubber hoses rarely contain plastic materials; they are resistant and environmentally friendly, but heavy and often more expensive than other hose types.

• Rubber vs. vinyl: Rubber and vinyl hoses have similar looks but different properties. The latter is lighter, flexible, and more affordable, but less durable and may kink or tangle. Rubber hoses are heavier and more expensive but will last longer and will rarely kink, tangle, split or burst.
• Hose fittings: Rubber hoses may have either brass or plastic fittings. Brass couplings are resistant but harder to tighten than plastic ones. Plastic fittings are easier to attach to the water source but are more prone to cracking.
• Drinking water safe: Made from a natural material, rubber garden hoses can be used if you want to create a drinking water point away from the main pipe. If this is important to you, check if the hose is safe to use for drinking water – most manufacturers typically specify it on the package.
• Flexibility: From all garden hoses, the rubber ones are perhaps the least flexible. If you don’t want to struggle too much, make sure it is flexible enough for easy storage.

Ideal to use in colder climates, metal garden hoses handle low temperatures very well while remaining flexible and durable. They are more expensive than rubber hoses but have excellent resistance to kinks.

• Weight: Metal garden hoses weigh 2-3 pounds more than an expandable hose on average. If mobility is important to you, consider the hose’s weight before buying.
• Maneuvering: Stainless steel garden hoses are made from interlocking steel pieces that guarantee both flexibility and strength. However, flexibility may greatly vary from one metal hose to another.
• Hose diameter: Metal hoses typically have a smaller diameter than their rubber or expandable counterparts, so it is less than ideal for heavy-duty watering.
• Water quality: Even the most premium steel is subject to rust and corrosion. If you live in an area with hard or salty water, perhaps you should consider another type of hose.

Garden hose reels give you the possibility to store the hose neatly and prevent kinks. A variety of models makes it easy to find both utilitarian and decorative options.

• Reel type: Do you need a utilitarian reel to fix on a wall next to your vegetable garden, a decorative wrought iron model for your backyard, or perhaps one enclosed in a resin or wooden cabinet?
• Material: Hose reels can be made of steel, iron, or plastic materials. Steel and iron deliver outstanding resistance but are more expensive and subject to rust and corrosion. Plastic hose reels are cheaper but have shorter lifespans.
• Hose width: Before buying, make sure the reel width matches the width of the hose, or you may have a hard time winding it properly.
• Winding mechanism: Some hose reels have a lever you can use to wind the hose manually after use, while others have automatic winding mechanisms. The latter could save you time and hassle if you have a very long hose.

A type of garden hose reel, the hose reel cart is a perfect choice for those who need mobility. Some also have a basket that help you keep the nozzles and other accessories organized.

• Portability: Most people buy a hose reel cart because it is portable, but not all carts were created equal. Make sure the one you want comes with an ergonomic handle and is balanced enough to pull or push with ease.
• Hose reel cart type: How large is your yard or garden, and how heavy is the hose? You can pick from walk-behind or tow-behind models you can attach to a lawn tractor in a way similar to a garden cart.
• Number of wheels: For smaller properties, a two-wheel hose reel cart is more compact and easier to maneuver. However, a four-wheel model is easier to push or pull when holding a long, heavy hose.
• Pneumatic wheels: The best garden hose reel carts have all-terrain pneumatic wheels that provide better stability and maneuverability.

Often mistaken for the expandable kind, the retractable garden hose consists of a silicone, vinyl, or rubber hose fixed on a reel system. Depending on the model, you will either have to recoil the hose manually or opt for a model with a coil spring system.

• Mechanical spring coil system: Manual retractable garden hoses are relatively cheap but require your assistance to wind them back on the reel. A mechanical spring coil system retracts the hose automatically, but you will have to ensure a firm grip during use.
• Hose material: Some of the cheaper retractable garden hoses are made from thin vinyl; they are very flexible but not very durable. Alternatively, you can opt for a reel with a metal hose or made from thicker vinyl or rubber.
• Burst rating: This number tells you how much water pressure the hose can withstand without leaking. If you want to avoid surprises, go for a hose with a burst rating of at least 350 PSI.
• Garden hose size: Before buying, also check the hose diameter and length. Most retractable hoses are designed for small to mid-sized properties and don’t exceed 100 feet.

In-between expandable and retractable hoses, coiled garden hoses represent an alternative to both. Their main advantage is a compact size when retracted, but they don’t work very well for large spaces. For this reason, they are less popular.

• Range: Unlike the other type of garden hoses on the market, the coiled garden hoses are usually shorter in length, rarely exceeding 50 feet.
• Hose diameter: If you aim for higher pressure rather than flow rate, get a hose with a smaller diameter. On the contrary, go for a wider diameter if you need a higher flow rate and lower pressure.
• Quality: Coiled garden hoses expand and retract constantly, and they tend to wear out faster than other types of hoses. For this reason, you should only invest in a hose made from premium-quality, weather-resistant materials.
• Hose attachments: Some coiled hoses have a straight portion at each end that makes it easier to pick up the hose and attach any accessories.

Perfect for gardening and landscaping, soaker hoses come as an alternative to the most expensive drip irrigation systems. Just what you need to keep your plants alive with minimum effort.

• Flat vs. round hose: Soaker hoses can have either flat or round design. The former is more aesthetically appealing and slightly more effective, but the round models are more durable.
• Flow rate: Ideally, a soaker hose should release around one gallon of water per minute. Check the rate, especially if you need a long hose.
• Soaker hose length: While long soaker hoses are easy to come by, we don’t recommend getting one longer than 100 feet as the pressure in a longer hose is too weak.
• Pressure rating: The best soaker hoses have a pressure rating of 10 PSI; at this rate, you can rest assured the water will drip and not sprinkle out of the hose.

Hose nozzles give you the possibility to use the hose for more than watering. You can choose from either interchangeable attachments or spray-like heads with multiple jet adjustments.

• Spray patterns: We recommend getting hose nozzles with as many spray patterns as possible – some of the best garden hose nozzles have around ten spray patterns that deliver weaker or more powerful jets.
• Nozzle types: You can pick from barrel nozzles you have to twist to turn on, and to change the spray pattern or pistol grip nozzles with a trigger you have to press. Pistol grip nozzles are recommended if you want more control over the flow.
• Durable material: Hose nozzles can be made from either plastic or aluminum. Aluminum nozzles are undeniably more durable and resistant, but they are also more expensive.
• Nozzle fittings: Most nozzles come with standard threads and are easy to screw onto the hose end. Others may require special connectors, so it is advisable to check before buying.