Of course, those do still exist. And they have their place too, in situations where you might need something that tough.
We recommend one made from the traditional rubber, in fact, as well as the best in class for other situations.
Before you go shopping, we’ll also touch on a few more general points to keep in mind and other things you might want to know about garden hoses:
Let’s take a look at our seven favorite products!
1. Flexilla: Best For Most People
Many people who have used a Flexilla garden hose swear it’s the greatest ever made. It also does well in expert testing, where it lives up to its kink-free claims.
Of course, as we must point out so no one thinks we’re guaranteeing this: no model is totally kink-free. But garden experts and homeowners say the Flexilla comes pretty darn close.
It’s made of a proprietary, flexible hybrid polymer that is engineered to eliminate kinks when filled with water.
Flexzilla Garden Hose, 5/8 inches x 50 feet
Unlike many others, it does not try to retain its shape, which means it lies flat where you need it, rather than trying to roll itself back up into a coil when it’s filled with water, flipping your sprinkler in the process.
Flexzilla Pro Water Hose 5/8 inches x 100 feet, via Amazon
The manufacturer says the material is lead-free and drinking water safe, although it’s not tested or certified by any of the agencies that verify those claims. They also say it can withstand temperatures from -40 to 150°F.
This model is a standard 5/8-inch diameter, and it comes in three-, five-, 10-, 25-, 50-, 75-, and 100-foot lengths.
The 50-, 75-, and 100-foot sizes also come in a larger, 3/4-inch diameter, if you need more water power.
The Flexilla is available in only one color, a bright, chartreuse green. The manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty.
Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now.
2. Craftsman Premium Rubber: Best Heavy-Duty Choice
Need a tough garden hose for washing your car, for powering a pressure washer, or that can live outside during the worst winters?
Then the Craftsman Premium offering should be at the top of your list.
This is a popular pick for landscape professionals and those who need something that can stand up to light commercial applications, such as mixing cement.
Craftsman 5/8 in. x 50 ft. L Premium Grade Black and Red Hose
It’s made from a black and red rubber vinyl compound that can withstand temperatures from -25 to 160°F. The coupling material is anodized aluminum. However, it is not safe for drinking from.
This product is as durable as they come, and Craftsman includes a three year limited warranty and that covers everything – including damage caused by running over it with a car or mower.
The diameter of the Craftsman Premium is the standard 5/8 inch and it comes in 50- and 100-foot lengths.
Check prices and read customer reviews at Amazon.
3. Water Right 400 Series: Best for Small Spaces
Light and flexible, the Water Right 400 Series is a top choice for the smaller yard or garden.
It’s lightweight enough to lug around at only three pounds per 50 feet, yet resists kinking. Owners report that when it does kink (again, none are completely kink-free), it’s easy to shake out without a lot of hassle.
Water Right 400 Series Polyurethane Hose
Even gardeners with mobility issues say it’s very easy to wrangle in the yard, even around planters and containers.
At 7/16 of an inch, the Water Right is smaller in diameter than the standard 5/8 of an inch, which is why it is so lightweight.
It’s made of NSF and FDA-certified drinking water safe polyurethane, so it won’t harm anyone who wants to dash by for a quick drink during a game of tag, or to hydrate while doing yard work – assuming that your outdoor hookup is not gray water.
Water Right offers a choice of two fittings for this product: lead free, chrome-plated brass, or stainless steel.
It comes in two colors – eggplant and olive green – so you can match it up with your garden decor. It’s also available in 25, 50, 75, and 100-foot lengths.
Water Right also makes larger diameter models of the same material, but they’ll be correspondingly heavier as well: the 500 Series is 1/2 inch in diameter, and the 600 Series is 5/8 of an inch.
The product comes with a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re dissatisfied for any reason, and a limited five-year warranty. It’s made in the USA in Oregon.
Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now.
4. Ultra Lightweight Coil: Best Value for Small Spaces
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to wrangle in a small garden, we recommend the Ultra Lightweight Coil Hose.
It’s a lightweight 3/8-inch, made from UV-resistant polyurethane. The material is FDA approved to be drinking water safe. The couplings are nickel plated. It only comes in brown.
Ultra Lightweight Coil
The coiled construction makes it easy to store, but it can be hard to pull to its full 50-foot length. This makes it a better choice for smaller gardens without a lot of storage space.
Check prices and read customers reviews on Gardener’s Supply Co. now.
5. Hoselink Retractable with Hose Reel: Best All-In-One
The Hoselink Retractable with Reel bills itself as “the complete watering system,” and owners say it lives up to that claim.
This setup includes the reel, a 9/16-inch diameter, 82-foot hose with an eight function nozzle, a 6.5-foot leader hose, a mounting bracket, and all required fixings.
The Hoselink is intended to be wall-mounted and, when mounted, the reel can swivel 180 degrees. You will need a drill for the installation, so keep that in mind.
Its “stop anywhere” technology locks it in place when you stop, so you don’t have to continue pulling.
Hoselink Automatic Retractable Garden Hose Reel
Users say the reel is easy to install and use, and the hose retracts very easily with the automatic rewind. The whole setup weighs 30 pounds.
The hose and reel are made from PVC and polypropylene with brass couplers, and stainless steel and plastic fittings. It is not food grade, so it’s probably best to avoid filling the dog’s bowl with this one.
The hose in integral to the reel and cannot be replaced. One nice feature is that the reel keeps the hose protected even in extreme weather conditions.
It comes with a two-year warranty. It is available in beige or charcoal.
Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now.
6. Melnor Flat: Best Soaker
While watering a lawn usually involves spraying, many plants don’t like to be sprayed too often. Damp foliage can help promote and spread disease.
Instead, a deep watering at the base of the plant is best, and the Melnor Flat Soaker Garden Hose is just the tool to do that with.
It’s a flat, flexible model that is easy to weave around plants and through planters. It’s a very popular product among gardeners with straw bale gardens. This type of construction also makes it easy to fold and store.
The fitting size is a standard 3/4 inches. It comes in 25-, 50-, and 75-foot lengths, and you can remove the cap to connect multiple hoses.
Melnor Flat Soaker Garden Hose
You can bury it under a light layer of mulch for semi-permanent installation in the garden, but a covering that is too heavy will affect its performance.
It’s not as sturdy as a traditional model, and if it is left out continually year-round it can deteriorate and leak.
This product is made from PVC, ABS plastic, and polyester. It comes with a two-year limited warranty.
Check prices and read customers reviews at Walmart now.
7. Gilmour Vinyl: Best Sprinkler Hose
Ideal for watering delicate new grasses or long, narrow areas like the side of a house, the Gilmour Vinyl Sprinkler Hose is a very versatile choice that can also function as a soaker.
Just position it with the white side up for sprinkling, and the white side down for soaking.
Made from recycled plastic, this model is very sturdy and durable, although it’s stiffer to handle than the more flexible Melnor.
Gilmour 2-in-1 Sprinkler-Soaker Hose
At full power, it sprays about four to five feet on either side of the center in sprinkler mode.
The fittings are nickel plated. It measures the standard 5/8 inch in diameter. It only comes in a 50-foot length, but you can attach up to three hoses. Gilmour offers a lifetime warranty.
Check prices and customer reviews on Walmart now.
Garden Hose Features
Water hoses form the basis of irrigation for the home yard and garden. But did you know there are various styles that can make your life easier?
Types
There are three basic types that include: spray, soaker, and sprinkler.
