Garden Hose Pipe Expandable Garden Hose with 3/4", 1/2" Fittings, Anti-Leakage - Flexible Expanding Hose with 8 Function Spray Nozzle by Homoze (50FT, Green) (Green)

Product Information

The version we tested had a ¾-inch inner diameter, the biggest in this test, which means it holds a lot of water. That makes the hose heavier to handle and drag when filled: It took 15.3 pounds of force to pull it out to full length on grass. On concrete sidewalk, it dragged it a little easier, requiring 12.4 pounds. On the plus side, the hose is heavy because it carries a lot of water. We measured the flow through it, at 650 gallons per hour, 17 percent more than the next closest hose in this test. The heavy brass hose fittings are plated with chrome, so they’ll stand up to plenty of abuse. Rubber is the most optimal choice in terms of durability, but it's heavier and more expensive than others. Rubber garden hoses are often premium hoses because they can withstand extreme weather. 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. Our testers took note of 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 two gallons of water every two minutes. For this article, we combined results from our test team in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, with our writers' and editors' own research to bring you this roundup. We tested 30 hoses at The Lab and rated them across a number of top categories, including usability, design, value, size, and durability. We also used 13 hoses in our own home gardens to determine their long-term durability and practicality in real-world scenarios. Those 13 hoses were tested over an additional period of 3 months and we recorded our thoughts on what could be improved and whether we'd continue to reach for the hose after the end of the testing period. To compile this list of the best garden hoses across all different types, 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.

You should also take care not to leave the hose out in direct sunlight, because hot water can expand in the hose and "UV rays can weaken the material," says McCoy. "Also, make sure to store it out of the elements during winter." Do you need a garden hose nozzle for your hose? 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. "I can see this lasting for many years," says one tester. 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 drinking water-safe. 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. 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," says McCoy. "If you occasionally require a long hose, buy two shorter ones and combine when needed."

Garden hoses don't last forever. When you're in the market for a new one, these tips will help you make an informed purchase.

Timers. For soaker hoses, sprinkler hoses and hoses with sprinkler head attachments, hose timers can be attached so you can water for a set period of time, including when you’re on vacation. One other thing to watch out for when using expandable hoses is when you stretch the hose out and release it, it will launch itself very similar to a rubber band, so be mindful of windows. This hose was screwed onto the spigot pretty easily (video below). If you need a garden hose for different tasks, consider a ⅝-inch model as well. Most attachment accessories like hand sprayers fit onto this size in the United States. Meanwhile, the ¾-inch hoses are designed for more professional uses like watering a large area such as public parks and gardens.

Expandable hose. Another option for small yards or patios, an expandable hose looks petite, but its length doubles or triples when it’s filled with water. These lightweight hoses are for light-duty jobs, and generally don’t last long. Waterproof and flexible features play an important role in choosing a good garden hose. So, learn more information about each material below:For weight, we measured dry weight, but remember, most 50 foot 5/8″ diameter hoses hold approximately 6.5 pounds of water when full, so take that into consideration.

Couplings are the fittings on the end of a garden hose. Aluminum or brass couplings are the most common type, but some manufacturers use plastic fittings instead. Couplings are important because they allow users to connect the end of the hose to the spigot as well as pressure washers, sprayers, sprinklers, and other garden hose nozzles and accessories. Additional Features If you can generally get by with a shorter hose but you think you might very occasionally need more length to wash your roof or something at the far end of your yard, it may be easier to get two hoses and join them together when you need to, rather than dealing with an unwieldy XL hose all the time. This heavy-duty hose also scored high marks for not kinking during our garden testing. The hose is reinforced with high-tensile threads that resist kinking and also provide a defense against the hose bursting under high water pressure. As you’d expect of a heavy-duty hose, you can use the Eley in temperatures down to minus-40 degrees Fahrenheit. The crush-proof brass fittings are lead-free and corrosion-proof. All of these features contribute to the hose’s longevity but mean that you pay a premium price compared to a light-duty or budget garden hose. Once you’ve assessed the kind of damage your hose has sustained, you can determine whether or not it needs fixed or replaced. Repair kits for garden hoses are available at your local hardware store. Just be aware that some holes are too large to repair with these kits.Stainless steel hoses are constructed from stainless steel coils surrounding a waterproof membrane to create a rugged and durable but flexible hose. Though stainless steel hoses are usually used for hand-watering, you can also use it with sprinklers.

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.After three months of regularly using this hose, we're still happy with its overall durability and ease of use. Although it does kink occasionally, the kinks are easy to remove without fighting the hose too much. We also noticed that it has a strong flow, even when coming from a rain barrel, rather than a hose spigot. The two most common types of hose material are vinyl and rubber. Vinyl tends to have a bad reputation because there are cheap options that are thin and prone to kinking. Rubber: Rubber hoses are second only to polyurethane in durability, and much more affordable. However, they can be quite heavy when filled with water.