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Our favorite hoses to get you through the spring.
Photo: Real Simple / Dera Burreson
In This Article
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the right garden hose.
It’s one of the heavier options.
For daily watering needs, the Flexzilla Garden Hose is a great all-purpose option.
PHOTO: Amazon
Just keep in mind that this is one of the heavier hoses on our list, especially when full.
The lime green color makes it easy to spot in the yard, too.
Material:Hybrid polymer |Length:50, 75, or 100 ft. |Diameter:5/8 in.
PHOTO: Real Simple
It’s quite pricey compared to other options.
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 comes equipped with lead-free brass fittings and is safe to drink from.
However, its available in 10 different sizes, ranging from 6.5 feet to 200 feet.
|Weight:1 to 28 lbs.
It gets very hot to the touch if left out in the sun.
For heavy use, a rubber hose provides long-lasting durability at a much lower cost than polyurethane.
The nickel-plated brass couplings are high quality and easy to screw onto nozzles and spigots.
Material:Rubber |Length:25, 50, 75, or 100 ft. |Diameter:5/8 in.
It can be difficult to load back onto the reel due to kinking.
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.
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.
Material:Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) |Length:25 or 50 ft. |Diameter:1/2 in.
|Weight:1.8 or 3.9 lbs.
It’s not intended for high-pressure use.
PHOTO: Eley
During testing, we found this hose extremely easy to carry and even easier to use.
Plus, it rebounds into its original shape for easy storageno worrying about coiling it back around a reel.
This coil hose in particular stands out for two reasons: its material and design.
PHOTO: Real Simple
The couplings are made from lead-free brass that proved durable enough to withstand three months of use.
Plus, it’s safe to drink from.
Material:Polyurethane |Length:25, 50, or 75 ft. |Diameter:3/8 in.
|Weight:2, 3.4, or 4.6 lbs.
Plus, it has the highest burst strength on our list at 500 PSI.
We scored each hose based on its design, ease of use, durability, and value.
Standard hosesare great for all-purpose watering and cleaning.
Our best pick is theH20 Works Garden Flat Soaker, which releases a gallon of water every minute.
However, they tend to be very short and can get tangled from time to time.
Rubberhoses are second only to polyurethane in durability, and they are more budget friendly.
Stainless steelhoses 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.
“Their plastic lining makes them safe for transmitting drinking water.”
“A 3/4-inch hose will offer great water pressure, but will be quite heavy,” Schanen 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.
The higher the PSI, the more durable the hose.
PHOTO: Amazon
According to Schanen, end fittings are just as important as the hose material.
For the longest lifespan, she says to look for brass or plated brass alloy fittings.
Just keep in mind that it only comes in beige, which may be an acquired taste for some.
PHOTO: Real Simple
Questions You Might Ask
What’s the best way to store a garden hose?
He says you should also store it somewhere safe during the winter.
Do you need a garden hose nozzle for your hose?
Ahose nozzleattaches 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.
For cleaning projects, fireman-style nozzles provide a powerful spray.
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
Real Simple / Rachel Marek
