Garden hoses aren’t really an item you think too much about – it seems like most hoses should be simple. As long as they deliver water where you want, it should work, right? Actually, there isn’t really a “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to choosing the best garden hose, and all hoses are not the same! Most buyers need to consider which factors are most important to them when shopping for a garden hose. Do you need length for a large yard? A flexible, lightweight hose that’s easy to maneuver around corners or when you’re washing a car? Or would you prefer a heavy-duty hose that can withstand any temperature or pressure? Whether you’re an avid gardener or just looking for a simple option, the right hose should meet all your backyard water needs.
Aside from creating a beautiful, flourishing yard, gardening has many benefits for mental and physical health. If you’re looking for the best garden hose to keep your plants and yard watered, StudyFinds scouted out the top models recommended most across 10 expert reviews. Let us know if we missed a great brand in the comments below!
The List: Best Garden Hoses, According to Experts
1. Flexzilla Garden Hose
The Flexzilla Garden Hose was recommended from the majority of the sources we consulted. It is a great all-purpose option made from a flexible hybrid polymer. The hose is easy to maneuver around objects but can feel quite heavy when full of water. Real Simple mentions the polymer makes it safe to fill pet water bowls or even drink out of.
Good Housekeeping’s testers found the water pressure for this hose impressive, as well as the ergonomics. The Flexzilla resists kinking, swivels well, and the connectors attach easily. The green coating makes it easy to spot even in a cluttered backyard, though the color may not last forever.
The Flexzilla is also affordable and can be found at Walmart, Home Depot, and Amazon. The Spruce tested the hose both in the lab and in real world settings and found that it performed well for a variety of activities, even beyond watering plants. Whether you want to add an attachment to spray the car, clean your garbage cans, or fill a pool, the Flexzillla is an all-around solid pick for any activity.
2. Flexi Hose
The Flexi hose is one of the most popular options on Amazon and is made for anyone who wants a lightweight hose that is easy to use. Reviewed explains the Flexi hose is made from four different layers of heavy-duty latex that are wrapped in elastic fabric. The construction gives the hose both durability and longevity without being too hard to maneuver.
People magazine even tested the hose for six months and found it held up to daily tasks amazingly. If you don’t purchase a model with a spray attachment included, there is a stopper at the end of the valve, so water doesn’t immediately flow out of the hose when the water is turned on. The long length makes it easy to maneuver and reach anything in the yard.
The hose expands quite a bit when full but still easily glides over any surface. U.S. News likes that the ends of the hose are made of solid brass and stretches to 100 feet while still weighing less than five pounds. It has a lower pressure rating than most hoses at just below 175 psi but still provides enough to clean and water.
3. Bionic Steel Pro Heavy-Duty Stainless-Steel Garden Hose
If you need a heavy-duty hose that can withstand anything, the Bionic Steel hose is the way to go. Popular Mechanics says that the hose has earned its name, as it is constructed from “commercial-grade 304 stainless steel that is corrosion-resistant, lightweight, kink-free, and also resistant to extreme weather conditions.” This is particularly useful if you live in a cold weather climate that’s prone to freezing.
HGTV also suggests this model for those who live in harsh weather conditions or around heavy work environments or machinery that may damage regular hoses. The construction is not meant for washing cars or being around other surfaces it could scratch or damage. Even though it’s made of steel, the whole thing only weighs about three pounds when not in use.
The ends of the hose are made of brass, with rubber fittings that provide a secure grip for attachment. Bob Vila put the hose to the test and found that even full of water it was still flexible enough to maneuver around corners and never got tangled or kinked. The reviewer even went so far as to test the hose’s claims and ran over it with a car, resulting in no damage.
4. Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose
The Eley garden hose is one of the most durable and flexible hoses on the market. It’s offered in ten lengths so you can choose which one suits your needs. Better Homes & Gardens explains the hose is made of FDA-grade polyurethane and lead-free brass fittings, making it safe enough to drink out of and durable enough to stand the test of time.
Real Simple tested the hose and found it easy to use, with no kinking with or without water in it due to the polyurethan threads that also reinforce the hose under high pressure. The Eley is also much lighter than most other hoses that are made of rubber.
The hose has an average price point for a quality hose that will last you a while. The company offers a ten-year leak-free warranty. The Spruce had no trouble dragging the hose over rocks, cement, tools, and more without the hose sustaining any cuts or damage.
5. Briggs and Stratton Heavy-Duty Garden Hose
If you need another heavy-duty option that will withstand wear and any temperature or water pressure you throw at it, the Briggs and Stratton will do the job. U.S. News says it’s designed to withstand extreme temperatures as low as -25 F and as high as 200 F. You an even run it over with your car without any sustaining damage due to its reinforced rubber walls.
People tested the hose for a month and found the hose to be durable and the length suitable to cover enough surface area when watering. Although the black rubber got very hot when sitting out in the sun, it held up well when dragged across surfaces and wasn’t too heavy when filled with water, even though it can be a bit bulky.
Better Homes & Gardens gave the Briggs and Stratton likes its ease of use, durability, and value, noting that the hose performed well and stayed intact when it was dragged across different surfaces like rocks, a rake, and grass. The hose is easy to carry, and very easy to manage when connecting to attachments or water sources.
6. Dramm ColorStorm Garden Hose
Besides being available in an array of fun colors, the Dramm hose is the perfect choice for any gardener who has a lot of area to water and wants a hose that will last forever and do the job efficiently.
If stored properly and drained after every use, the Dramm should last a very long time. Reviewed loves that the construction and material is kink-proof and can be dragged around or run over and bounce back easily. The hose can handle temps of up to 160 F.
Business Insider found the hose bounced back no matter how it was twisted or bent, and the brass fittings held up well even after being thrown against concrete. The water pressure on this model is fast at 10.91 gallons per minute, making it ideal for filling buckets or pools.
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Sources:
- Real Simple
- Good Housekeeping
- The Spruce
- U.S. News
- Reviewed
- People
- Better Homes & Gardens
- HGTV
- Popular Mechanics
- Bob Vila
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
You actually use these garden hoses