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Maintaining your outdoor space can be a priority during the warm summer months.Whether you’re gardening outdoors or just looking to wash your car and other outdoor spaces with ease, a quality garden hose can be a handy and durable household tool in the meantime.
“Choosing a new garden hose should be considered an investment,” says Kristiana Laugen, Handy’s home care specialist.”A suitable hose can last up to ten years if length, material and water pressure are considered.”
But with so many options on the market—and the different features and accessories that can be paired with them—finding a hose for your specific outdoor needs can be difficult.As Logan says, they can also be an investment for some: the combined cost of a quality hose, nozzle and reel can exceed $100.To simplify your search, we consulted with gardening experts to determine how to buy a garden hose and rounded up some highly rated and expert-recommended options.
There is not just one hose that fits all functions and spaces perfectly.Choosing the best garden hose depends on several different factors, including how much use you get from it, your climate, and your budget.According to Kristen Reser, a watering and tool merchant at The Home Depot, “The flexibility and durability of a hose depends on the material it is made of, while the length, diameter and fittings determine its water flow.”
Hose is usually made from one of three materials: vinyl, which is a more affordable and lightweight option, polyurethane, which is lightweight and kink-resistant, and is often used in coiled hoses, and rubber, which is Tougher, more flexible, heavier options.Some hoses are also made of vinyl and rubber, according to Reser.”Combination hoses are sometimes reinforced with nylon and rayon, offering varying degrees of durability and flexibility,” she said, adding that some hoses also have metal coils or cords between layers of rubber or vinyl to help prevent them kink.
According to the experts we interviewed, length and kink resistance—depending on the material—are among the most important considerations.(Polyurethane and rubber are fairly kink resistant, while vinyl is more prone to kinking.) “The length of the hose is based on the distance between the area you plan to water and the hose tap on the side of the house,” says Megan U said Mann, a seasonal outdoor living merchant at Lowe’s.The most popular length is usually 50 feet, she said, but if you have a larger yard or rely on just one faucet—the device that turns the water on and off, 100 feet may be a better option.
Hose can be classified as light, medium or heavy duty – each with its specific use and outdoor needs.
In addition to specific features and accessories, there are various types of hoses available for different outdoor tasks and needs.These include standard hoses, which are general purpose hoses made from a variety of materials, coiled hoses that form a spring shape when not in use and are light enough to water small areas, and those that have small holes and are gentle enough A soaker hose keeps your garden healthy, especially when a timer is set.Experts recommend considering what type of hose can be used for the jobs you typically do.
It is also important to pay attention to the coupling.Couplings (also called fittings) are end pieces that connect the end of a hose to water systems such as faucets, sprinklers, and nozzles.They can be made of metal—usually brass, but sometimes zinc and aluminum—and metal fittings are generally more durable than plastic fittings.However, according to Reser, metal hose fittings can be more difficult to screw on to the faucet, while plastic fittings are easier to connect due to their nylon or thermoplastic material.
Ultimately, Logan recommended metal couplings over plastics, which tend to break.”As a general rule of thumb, the larger the coupling, the easier it is to tighten,” she added.
A nozzle attached to one end of the hose is a convenient way to control the flow and distribution of water flow and conserve water when in use.They are usually adjustable or multimodal.”The adjustable nozzle is great for cleaning and allows the user to adjust the intensity of the water flow with a trigger, from a light spray to a solid stream,” Ullmann said.Multi-mode nozzles “click through various spray modes” including mist, jet and shower settings.
According to Reser, adjustable and multi-mode nozzles are available in a variety of styles and with specialized attachments.
The material of the nozzle is also an important consideration in terms of durability.”Standard nozzles are usually metal or plastic, [although] some are both,” Logan said.”Metal is the most durable option, but if you’re looking for something more affordable, you can choose nozzles made from metal and plastic.” Ullmann adds that the all-metal construction will “last longer and allow for more use” ”, while nozzles that contain more plastic will be “lighter and cheaper.”
When it comes to storage, hose reels prevent clutter from building up on the floor and extend the life of the hose.It also helps you save time – without the reel, it can be difficult to unwrap the hose and lay it flat when you’re ready to use it.
According to Laugen, “it’s best to choose a closed one for long-term durability.” While “stylish options” like stands or decorative planters may seem appealing, she recommends finding one with an “easy-to-use crank, A reel that matches your outdoor aesthetic”.In winter, consider storing the hose in a garden shed or garage while covering the outside of the faucet with a mounting cover to keep the water from freezing.
This Amazon bestseller has an average rating of 4.6 stars out of more than 33,000 reviews on the site.As the name suggests, the hose is made from a flexible hybrid polymer material that makes it durable in most weather conditions, according to the brand.It’s also light — 8 pounds — and bright green, so it’s easy to spot when working outdoors.Flexzilla hoses are available in lengths ranging from 5 feet and 10 feet to 50 feet and 75 feet.
Small holes in the hose release water slowly, and a soaker hose can be a good investment for watering garden beds, flowers, or other landscaping projects while using less water than traditional sprinklers.Made from 100% recycled vinyl, this option from Gilmour is flexible and heavy enough to weave through your plants and gardens, and folds flat for easy storage.According to the brand, it’s covered with an anti-clogging fabric that protects the hose from UV rays and makes it last longer.Available in lengths from 25 feet to 75 feet, it currently has a 4.2-star average rating from over 4,500 Amazon shoppers.
With an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 1,000 Amazon buyers, this heavy duty rubber hose is ideal for large outdoor projects like watering a large lawn or even cleaning your car.According to the brand, the hose is kink-resistant, can be coiled even in cold weather, can withstand hot water up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and features durable nickel-plated brass fittings.You can buy hoses in 25-foot or 50-foot lengths in a variety of bright colors, including green, red, orange, and yellow.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, this TheFitLife option starts at 17 feet long and expands to 50 feet when in the water – it returns to its original length when water no longer flows through the hose.Made with an inner latex core and polyester outer fabric, it features solid brass fittings and a shut-off valve on the side that lets you control the flow of water, and includes an eight-mode nozzle to save water.
“Most standard hoses are not safe for drinking water—they contain plasticizers that can leach into the water,” Reser said, adding that “any hose labeled ‘drinking safe’ is lead-free, BPA and Phthalates Free – Free.” According to the brand, this option from Camco “complies with all federal and state low lead laws” and the ends are compatible with most standard garden hose connections.This type of hose is suitable for everyday watering needs as well as long-term travel, such as camping, boating or traveling in an RV.It’s available in a variety of lengths, including 10-foot, 25-foot, and 50-foot, and has a 4.6-star average rating from over 18,000 Amazon reviewers.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one hose, nozzle and reel option, this one from Giraffe Tools can save you a lot of time and money.Available in 90-foot and 130-foot length options, this hose is longer than the other options on this list, and features a nine-pattern nozzle, impact-resistant reel with durable polypropylene housing, wall mount, and carrying handle.You can decide how long you want the hose to be by automatically locking it at any length, and it has a slow retraction system to avoid any danger.
This metal hose nozzle from Melnor is a relatively affordable option, with five spray modes—shower, running, mist, flat, and full—that can fit most basic gardening activities, and comes with rubber Handle, comfortable to hold.It is made of a combination of metal, plastic and rubber, so it is lightweight but not as durable as a nozzle made entirely of metal.
With an average 4.5-star rating from over 3,700 Amazon shoppers, this 16-inch watering wand from GREEN MOUNT makes it easy to water areas of your garden or lawn that you might not normally reach.It is made of lightweight corrosion-resistant aluminum, has a non-slip handle, and includes eight adjustable watering modes: spray, tilt, full, soak, mist, flat, cone, and shower .For longer outdoor jobs, there is also a clip lock on the handle for continuous spraying without tiring your hands.
This Gilmour nozzle features an all-metal construction that’s durable and easy to use – you just press the trigger and adjust the water flow as needed.It has a hold-open clip that keeps the water flowing continuously, while a small dial on top lets you control the force and flow of the water that comes out.
For a more comfortable and unique option, this nozzle from Dramam features a one-touch valve that quickly adjusts to control water flow without pressing the trigger.It features nine spray modes, from cone and shower to mist and fan, which can be selected using the quick-change dial.It’s also available in a variety of colors, including yellow, red, and berry, and comes with a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty.
For an easy and affordable storage option, this hose hook is made of durable steel that can be wall mounted and has a curved design that will prevent hoses from sagging or tangling.According to the brand, it’s sturdy enough to hold 100 feet of standard 5/8″ diameter garden hose.It also comes in four colors: green, blue, purple and patina.
If you don’t want to sacrifice style for utility, this decorative wall-mounted hose reel from Liberty Garden is worth checking out.It’s made of rust-resistant cast aluminum and coated with nickel powder to help prevent water damage.According to the brand, it can hold up to 125 feet of standard hose and has a rack on top to hold any outdoor gardening tools.It also includes a hose guide that allows you to roll and unwind the hose without clumping or tangling.
According to Laugen, “Hidden reels are best for outdoor storage” because they keep the hose away from the elements, which can extend its lifespan.This popular Suncast storage option is made of strong resin, which means it’s likely not to rust when stored outdoors, and can hold up to 150 feet of standard hose.Suncast also offers a larger version of a concealed reel that can hold standard hose up to 225 feet and has a guide ring on the front so your hose doesn’t get tangled.
If you plan to move hose from yard to yard, this reel cart from Suncast is a portable option, and the brand says it can hold up to 175 feet of standard hose.It is made of durable resin and has a crank that allows you to wind and unwind the hose with ease.
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Post time: Mar-21-2022