What considerations do you need to make when buying a garden hose? Are there any particular brand names you should look out for while researching the market? Does the hose length affect water pressure? In this guide, we’re hoping to answer all of these questions and more so stay tuned.
As well as taking you through some of the most popular models, we’re going to offer some buying considerations and FAQs!
Hozelock Auto Reel with 40m Hose
Firstly, we’re going to recommend this fantastic product thanks to the self-layering design, 180-degree pivot, and child lock.
Dealing with these in turn, the design means that you’ll never have to worry about kinks because of the way the hose lines up when rewinding. Next, the pivot means you should be able to reach all the nooks and crannies of your garden without any problems. Finally, the child lock is always important because it allows children to investigate the garden without causing themselves (or your plants!) any harm.
After this, Hozelock appeal to all audiences with their different sizes. While we’re talking about the 40-metre hose here, they also sell the same model in 30m, 25m, 20m, and 10m. For those with a small garden, this is absolutely perfect and you don’t have to waste money on an extended hose you aren’t going to use.
On top of all this, the hose removes easily enough from the wall bracket which makes storage simple during the colder months. Also, the manufacturer sends out all the relevant fittings to connect to a tap so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
- Wall-mounted hose reel with self-layering design automatically rewinds the hose…
- A 180-degree pivot allows you to reach every area of the garden
- Can easily be removed from the wall bracket allowing the unit to be stored away…
GARDENA 35m Wall-Mounted Hose Box
As our second product, we’ve gone for a GARDENA model that promises its users ‘long-lasting winding technology’ so you shouldn’t have to worry about the winding function breaking within the first few uses (as long as it’s used properly). With an integrated hose guide as well as a centrifugal brake, this is one of the most reliable rewinding experiences you’re likely to come across.
With a short locking stop of less than 50cm, pulling the hose out is also easy while the carry handle allows users to take their hose wherever it needs to go. Although we don’t tend to move our garden hose once mounted onto the wall, this is still a useful feature. To complement this, it’s also relatively small and this means that storage also shouldn’t cause any problems.
While we look after other pieces of equipment like our lawn mowers and trimmers, our garden hoses are often left forgotten and this simply means that we need to invest in a replacement much sooner. Fortunately, GARDENA has equipped this 35m hose with frost protection for the colder months.
- Long-lasting winding technology: Automatic, safe, and reliable winding thanks to…
- Space-saving, flexible storage: The box can be swivelled by 180° and suitable…
- Convenient pulling out and transport: Made possible by short locking stop of nor…
VonHaus 20m Garden Hose
For those who don’t want the hassle of manually rewinding the hose after watering the plants, cleaning the garden furniture, or having a good old water fight, this is a great model because the rewind system is completely automatic. After activating the powerful spring, simply watch in awe as the hose is reeled in without getting tangled and kinked.
What’s more, the unwinding is just as simple and you don’t need to keep pulling the hose taut just to extend it. After unwinding smoothly, it then locks into place and you’ll be ready to get started. With this VonHaus model, another feature we love is the design. Often, wall mounts can stand out but the grey and orange appearance seems to suit outside brick walls.
As you would expect, all the fixtures and fittings come with the package and it offers a 180-degree pivot for improved manoeuvrability. Interestingly, the manufacturer also supplies buyers with a two-year warranty. Just in case you’re trying to find a model that suits your needs exactly, they also offer a 30m hose.
Of course, you also have the might of VonHaus behind you with this purchase so reaching customer support shouldn’t ever be a problem if you require help.
- WATER YOUR PLANTS YOUR WAY: Speed up watering with your VonHaus hose reel, the…
- LONG REACH: Featuring an auto rewind 20m hose for ease of use, your wall mounted…
- AUTO LOCK: To use your retractable hose reel, simply pull gently to your desired…
Karcher CR5.220 Auto Reel
We’ve seen technology change the world of communication and ordering products from companies, and now it’s improving the garden hose world too. Thanks to controlled auto-wind and 180-degree swivel systems, Karcher has clearly thought about the user with this model because it allows for an easy experience. Suddenly, using the garden hose is no longer a chore and can actually be enjoyable (perhaps!).
With a wall bracket and fixings in the packaging, you’ll have it on the wall in no time and the advanced compatibility means that it should work with all standard watering systems. For those with a keen eye on this niche, you’ll know that Karcher is quickly gaining a reputation for innovative products and this hose is no different. When the winter comes, it can be detached from the bracket and stored away.
According to Karcher themselves, this hose is perfect for everybody from casual gardeners to keen enthusiasts. With this in mind, the order will come with a Karcher Primo flex hose, two hose connectors, a spray nozzle, a G1/2 reducer, and a G3/4 tap adapter. In total, the hose measures 20 metres and it’s fair to say the product has attracted positive reviews online.
- Controlled auto-wind hose system
- 180˚ swivel system
- Includes wall bracket and fixings
Extra Strength FlexiHose 50 FT Expandable Garden Hose
While those with larger gardens will need to look at one of the alternatives in this list, there’s no reason why this 15-metre hose can’t work wonders for others. Why choose this FlexiHose product? For us, it’s impressive because of the sheer number of features that make the experience more enjoyable. For example, let’s start with the ¾-inch brass connectors that should prevent leaks both now and long into the future.
Even after this, leaks can also be prevented by the double latex pipe. For the hose itself, it offers a unique expanding style, the manufacturers say it can withstand anything up to 12 BARS in terms of pressure, and the unit is lightweight thus lending itself to storage.
For those who like to play around with gadget-like nozzles, this is the one for you because it offers an 8-pattern rotating nozzle. No matter what tasks lie ahead, the hose will handle it. While the plants will love the lighter sprays, a small twist of the nozzle and you’ll have a fierce jet to clean walls and the garden furniture. Not only does the nozzle use zinc alloy for a long life, the handle has rubber so a firm grip will be kept even when the hands are wet.
Just to finish it off, FlexiHose even offer a LIFETIME guarantee. If you ever have problems with the hose other than damage caused by a long and successful life, the manufacturers will send out a free replacement or, alternatively, you can request a full refund. Not many companies offer this!
- NO MORE LEAKS! – Say goodbye to your frustrating old leaking hose! Flexi…
- SUPER EASY TO USE & STORE – Usage and storage is a breeze thanks to the…
- THE MOST ADVANCED GARDEN HOSE ON THE MARKET! Made from the highest-quality…
Hozelock Wheeled Fast Cart with 40m Hose
As the final product we’re bringing you today, Hozelock has come up with another brilliant design and this time it’s a wheeled unit. Offering 40 metres of hose, the unit itself can be mounted on the wall when not in use and then it can travel around the garden as your companion while watering the plants or spraying the fences clean.
The benefit of choosing a model of this type is that the hose is layered and hidden within the unit itself. Whenever you require, it can be pulled easily enough from the unit. When you’re finished, the automatic layering system allows the hose to be stored away from the elements. While your neighbours are worrying about the winter, your garden hose won’t be exposed to the harsh weather and you can have peace of mind.
According to the manufacturer (and customers!), the towing handle is robust and the wheeled unit is easy to pull across a variety of terrains. Whenever you need to adjust your angle or extend the hose, you’ll have this option available regardless of how your garden is laid out. Thanks to Hozelock, all customers will also have a two-year warranty should anything go wrong.
- Please drain fully after use and store away for the winter, to protect against…
- Includes 40m2m of premium hose
- Encased for better protection from harsh weather conditions
Buying Guide – Key Considerations
Now we’ve seen some of the top products in the market, you should have a better idea of what they offer. To help even further, we’ve compiled some of the key considerations you’ll need to make before investing.
Different Types of Hose
Firstly, you’re likely to encounter different types of garden hose so this should be our starting point.
Flat Hose – If you worry about rewinding the hose for storage, flat hoses can be ideal because…well, they’re flat. Much like you would see used by a fireman or woman, they remain flat until filled with water where they expand (almost like a water balloon). Unfortunately, flat hoses are susceptible to kinks and punctures. Furthermore, we also need to be careful since flat hoses have a low burst pressure rating. As another downside, the whole hose needs to be unwound before it can fill with water. On the bright side, storage is easy and it’s perfect for small gardens where it can be used in a straight line.
Standard Hose – Normally made of vinyl and a reinforced mesh, the standard hose is perhaps the most common and most affordable too. Sadly, their plastic fittings mean they’re easily damaged and they tend to kink easily too. Again, this hose is ideal for low pressures and the casual gardener who doesn’t need any of the bells and whistles we’re going to see in the next three options.
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Soaker Hose – Popular with avid gardeners and even farmers, a soaker hose uses recycled plastics and rubbers. Due to the porous walls with thousands of tiny holes, water will slowly seep through while in use. As well as being laid across the grass, these types of hoses can also be buried underneath the surface. Depending on the model you choose, the larger hoses can be a little erratic (consider stakes to deal with this) but they work beautifully for irrigation purposes.
Expandable Hose – If storage is an issue, expandable (or collapsible) hoses will be a brilliant solution because they start small while expanding potentially up to three times the size once the water starts pouring through. They offer a similar water flow to standard hoses, but the expandable nature means the water pressure can increase during use. In terms of drawbacks, they can lose elasticity with extensive use and we’ve seen people noting a rupture in the non-reinforced inner tube.
Flexogen Hose – Finally, flexogen hoses are normally advertised as the ‘last hose you’ll ever buy’ due to the heavy-duty material and the 6-ply construction. Despite this, the foam inner layers help to keep the hose lightweight and the outer layers have also been polished and reinforced with abrasion-resistant material. As you can imagine, these types of hose are popular for those who want a no-nonsense investment.
As long as you read through our descriptions of each hose and assess the benefits and drawbacks of each, you’ll soon learn which styles suit your needs and which don’t. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some other considerations.
Material
When considering your purchase, material is something you cannot forget because it directly impacts the durability, weight, flexibility, and more. Fortunately, we’re going to keep things simple because there are two materials of which you need to be aware of.
Firstly, the strongest hoses are normally made of rubber and they tend to have the longest lives. For this reason, they can be more expensive and aren’t as lightweight as vinyl. As well as reducing the number of kinks and cracks you experience, a rubber hose also has the ability to carry hot water.
Secondly, as we’ve already mentioned, you’ll find vinyl hoses too. As the more affordable option, it’s essentially the opposite of what we said for rubber. They can be prone to kinks, the material is lighter, they aren’t as durable, they can wear after extended exposure to the sun, they suit a smaller budget, and they’re ideal for casual gardeners and light tasks.
Length
When it comes to garden hoses, it’s all well and good taking the recommendations of others for hose type and material but they become useless when considering the size. With hoses between 10 metres and 50 metres, some are tempted to go for the longer products ‘just in case’. Before doing this, we urge you to reconsider because they will be heavier, they’re more expensive, they need more storage space, and you might have to endure a lower water pressure.
On the other hand, you obviously don’t want a hose that’s too small otherwise you’ll keep stretching the material and you’ll have to aim the hose carefully to reach the end of the garden like some sort of carnival game.
In our opinion, the best way to choose a length that’s right for you is to measure your garden. Consider the distance between where the hose will be mounted and the sections of your garden farthest away. Be sure to add a little as a buffer and you’ll be ready to take on all tasks in your garden.
Flexibility
If possible, we always recommend buying a garden hose in a physical store (or at least testing them here before ordering online). Why? Because you can play around with the hose (not shooting water at other customers, of course!). You can pick it up and feel the grip, bend it, try the kink test, and generally test the flexibility of the product.
Once you know you have a flexible product, you won’t have to worry about going around corners, storing the hose in winter, and getting constant kinks.
Burst Pressure
Next up, all hoses are tested, measured, and compared in what we call ‘burst pressure’. As we’ve already discovered, rubber has the highest burst pressure and this essentially means that it requires a higher pressure before it bursts. If you’re planning to interact with the nozzle and play around with the sprinkler and other features, we recommend at least 300psi. Read our guide on the best pressure washers here.
Manufacturer
Finally, we think that people often focus too much on the product itself without considering the manufacturer. When selecting a product, consider whether they have a support team ready to help in case something goes wrong, check their warranty (a longer warranty suggests they have confidence in their product), and even look at their social media profiles. If you choose an active brand that has a great reputation, any problems that do arise can be dealt with quickly.
FAQs for Garden Hoses
If you’ve still got some burning questions regarding garden hoses, let’s see if we can answer them for you here.
What diameter is a normal garden hose?
Generally, the hoses you encounter will measure somewhere between 3/8 inches and 3/4 inches. For the majority of standard garden hoses, you’ll find they offer a diameter of 5/8 inches. If you aren’t sure which to choose, remember that more water is delivered with a larger diameter.
How do I increase water pressure in my garden hose?
First things first, check all the connections and fittings between the outdoor tap and the hose itself. If water is leaking from the faucet or the connection is in any other way faulty, the water pressure won’t be at the optimum level. For example, you can look at the coupling and ensure it’s screwed on tight (and straight!).
If you’re using an old hose or one with a small diameter, you might also want to consider an upgrade. If you find that your ½-inch hose isn’t offering enough pressure and you’ve checked the connection, look for a ¾-inch hose instead. With a wider diameter, more water can be delivered and this should be closer to your needs.
Also, we recommend checking the hose for any damage. If you’ve owned the hose for many years and it has been twisted and kinked hundreds of times, there may be some damage in the hose that’s causing an inefficiency with the water delivery.
Finally, for those who want to clean brick or tough stains from their garden furniture, why not install a pressure washer? As long as you read the instructions and use the pressure washer with caution, this will boost the pressure of your hose for those heavy-duty tasks.
Does hose length affect water pressure?
Yes, and it all comes down to the distance the water has to travel before reaching the nozzle. With a one-metre hose, for example, the water can explode from the tap and almost leave the other side in the same second. With a 50-metre hose, the water will gradually lose pressure as it travels the 50 metres.
What is the flow rate of a garden hose?
All things considered, there are a number of factors that can affect flow rate including water pressure, hose diameter, hose length, and more. To work out the flow rate of your own hose, you can calculate the amount of time it takes to fill a ten-gallon bucket. If it takes ten minutes, you know that the flow rate is one gallon per minute.
If you’re comparing products, we recommend finding the average flow rate for the length and diameter you require. For example, a 15-metre hose with a 5/8-inch diameter will average between 20 and 25 gallons per minute.
How much does it cost to run a hose pipe?
Although this will depend on water flow rate, pressure, and other factors, experts believe running a hose pipe continuously for an hour would cost around £1.50.
Summary
Thank you for joining us on this garden hose journey, we hope you’ve found the information you require. As well as looking at some brilliant and reliable products at the start, you’ve also learned some key considerations to make before purchasing a hose and the FAQs we tend to receive in this niche. Good luck, and we hope you find a hose to partner your gardening experience for many years!
Be sure to check out our other guides including our garden multi tool buying guide, how to choose the best shed as well our best garden strimmer guide.
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API