Buying guide for best expandable hoses
Garden hoses can be bulky, heavy and prone to tangles and kinks, making it difficult to do jobs like watering plants and washing cars. An alternative to the classic model is an expandable garden hose. Lightweight and highly portable, these hoses grow to as much as three times their empty size when filled with water.
Flexible materials, including a strong outer fabric and inner tubing, make it possible for these hoses to expand and deflate in seconds. What’s more, some hoses include extra inner latex layers to protect against punctures. These materials also make the hoses unlikely to kink, which means you’ll get consistent water flow without having to stop to straighten out the hose.
Quality expandable hoses have durable metal or nylon fittings. Most come with a simple twist or trigger nozzle. Additionally, various sizes from as short as 25 feet to as long as 200 feet are available to match different needs. Our top pick, the HydroTech Burst-Proof Expandable Garden Hose, comes in a range of sizes and is strong enough to withstand being pulled over rough terrain.
Expandable hoses and accessories
This expandable hose by HydroTech tops our list of favorites for its user-friendly features and durable build. It boasts patented technology that promotes stability and flexibility while reducing strain. Additionally, it's made with a strong exterior material with an inner latex liner that resists punctures that can lead to leaks. It also resists mildew and mold. The nylon connector will not rust or corrode.
Not only is this one of the most durable expandable hoses, but it’s also lightweight and simple to maneuver. Users appreciate how it resists kinks and twists. It fits 3/4-inch nozzles and comes in lengths of 25, 50, 75, 100 and 200 feet.
Many people find that 50 feet is the ideal length for a garden hose. This expandable model is lightweight and simple to handle and store, which are undoubtedly reasons why it’s called Pocket Hose. It’s made of durable yet flexible material that keeps it from kinking in most situations. The hose also has a strong inner tubing that helps it resist punctures. It’s labeled “drinking water safe” thanks to the 3/4-inch lead-free aluminum connectors.
This versatile expandable hose comes with a twist nozzle that has three pressure settings for various jobs. Rubber gaskets in the connector do a good job of preventing leaks. Budget-conscious consumers will appreciate that this feature-packed hose is available at a reasonable price point.
Flexi Hose comes in a choice of lengths, including the brand’s popular 100-foot expandable hose. If this length doesn’t fit your needs, it also comes in lengths of 25, 50, 75 and 150 feet. Regardless of the size you choose, you’ll appreciate a kink-resistant hose that’s lightweight and easy to move and store. It’s also simple to drain when not in use.
The hose includes standard 3/4-inch brass connectors that hold up well to use. Strong outer material covers four layers of latex to protect against tears and puncture. The included trigger nozzle boasts eight spray patterns. If the hose color is important to you, you’ll like that this one comes in six shades.
Although the Big Boss Pro Dac-5 is one of the more affordable hoses we recommend, it offers features that make it a good value. Like other expandable hoses, it’s made of a tough, flexible outer fiber that protects the inner tubing. While it’s always best to store a hose in the winter, these materials can withstand freezing temperatures. The hose is lightweight and made to stay kink-free during use.
This expandable hose includes fittings and a nozzle made of brass. The on/off function comes in handy when the hose isn’t in use. At 5/8 inch in diameter, it delivers excellent water pressure, making it a good choice for cleaning vehicles, walkways and more. It comes in lengths of 25, 50, 75 and 100 feet.
This is another quality expandable hose that is lightweight to simplify watering and cleaning tasks. It’s crafted of a woven polyester fiber that’s protective and durable. Although it isn’t recommended, the hose can be left outdoors in freezing weather. The fittings included with this expandable hose are made of strong, corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Although you’ll have to supply your own nozzle, the rugged collars make it simple to connect the hose to a spout and nozzle of your choice. It comes in lengths of 25, 50 and 100 feet.
Several layers of strong synthetic rubber protect this 100-foot expandable hose from punctures, so it’s ready to use for numerous tasks from gardening to car washing. Just like similar models, it’s lightweight and compact, so it’s simple to maneuver and doesn’t take up a lot of storage space. You can use it for multiple jobs without having to stop to smooth out kinks. This hose comes with tough metal fittings and a compression nozzle with different settings to match specific chores that require precise water pressure. The 3/4-inch diameter is compatible with most nozzles and spouts.
A classic green color, kink-free design, standard 50-foot length and included trigger nozzle make this expandable garden hose a good choice. It’s made of puncture-resistant latex material, and the 3/4-inch brass connectors are almost indestructible. The nozzle offers eight settings so you’re sure to find one that’s ideal for accomplishing numerous jobs around your garden and home exterior. Once you're done, the hose drains quickly. It’s also easy to use and transport. We think this expandable hose is a good choice for anyone watching their budget.
What to know before you buy an expandable hose
Length
Think about where you’ll be using your expandable hose and what you want to use it for. If you need to water lots of plants in a large garden, opt for a longer hose. If you only need to water potted plants on a small deck, a shorter hose will do.
Most of these hoses expand to about three times their length when empty, to 25, 50, 75 or 100 feet. Some premium brands offer hoses that expand to 150 or 200 feet, making them ideal for consumers who need that extra-long reach. Most expandable hoses come in a choice of sizes.
Materials
Most expandable hoses have a fabric covering made of polyester, but the core material can be either latex or thermoplastic copolyester (TPC).
Dual- or triple-layer latex is a sturdy, high-quality core material. A triple layer core is more durable but less flexible than a dual-layer core.
TPC is heat resistant and quite durable, but it’s more expensive than latex.
Also pay attention to the fittings that come on an expandable hose. Plastic, aluminum and brass are the most common materials used to make these components.
Plastic connectors crack easily and aren’t as durable as those made of metal. However, nylon is a strong polymer that’s made to last.
Aluminum is durable and also a good choice.
Brass won’t corrode and is a much sturdier option overall.
Nozzle
Most expandable hoses come with a twist or trigger nozzle.
Twist nozzles are basic yet functional and typically offer two or three pressure settings.
Trigger nozzles can have a compression control lever in the front or back of the nozzle. A basic trigger nozzle might only have one spray pattern setting, but many have eight or more.
Colors
Expandable hoses come in different colors. Depending on your taste and landscaping, you can choose neutral black or a brighter shade. You might want a blue, yellow or orange hose that’s easier to spot in your lawn or garden, while a green one would blend with the environment. Black hoses are quite common, but keep in mind that this color heats up more quickly in the sun.
Tips
- Be careful not to snag your expandable hose on sharp objects. The flexible material is easy to puncture.
- Turn off the water when the hose is not in use. This is especially important if you’re in an area that experiences sudden drops in temperature at night.
- Open the nozzle sprayer’s shutoff valve. This will help prevent leaks.
- Drain the hose. Once you’re done using the expandable hose, it’s important to drain it so that it can fully contract. This prevents water from freezing inside and reduces the chances of bacteria contaminating the water. (This is particularly important if you use the water for bathing or drinking.)
- Store the hose inside in winter. If you leave it outside in freezing temperatures, you might find it riddled with leaks when you’re ready for spring gardening.
- Store your expandable hose out of direct sunlight. Water in a garden hose can heat up to 140 degrees in hot weather, which can cause first- or second-degree burns if it comes in contact with skin.
FAQ
Q. How much do expandable hoses cost?
A. Cheap expandable hoses aren’t going to last very long no matter what the marketing copy promises. Spending more will get you a hose of better quality. In most cases, the longer the hose, the more it costs. Expect to pay at least $20 for a good-quality 25-foot expandable hose and $50 to $100 for a durable 50- or 100-foot one. Extra-long hoses measuring 150 to 200 feet cost between $100 and $150.
Q. How long does an expandable hose last?
A. Expandable hoses aren’t as durable as standard outdoor hoses, but their longevity can be improved with proper care. By avoiding objects that can puncture the material, replacing worn-out nozzles, keeping it neatly coiled when not in use and storing it indoors in the winter, an expandable hose can last for several years.
Q. What types of objects will puncture an expandable hose?
A. While you’ll love how easy an expandable hose is to maneuver and use, you’ll have to be extra cautious of surrounding objects to prevent punctures. Sticks, thorny plants, landscaping decorations and jagged rocks are common things to steer clear of when using an expandable hose.
Q. How do I drain an expandable hose?
A. Once you turn off the water at the spout, an expandable hose contracts easily. It pushes out water automatically as it deflates to its empty size. Squeezing the trigger nozzle after the spout has been shut off can also help push out excess water.
Q. Is it safe to drink from an expandable hose?
A. Unless the hose is made to dispense potable water, it’s not a good idea to drink from it. That’s because many hoses and connectors contain substances that can leach into the water, making it unsafe to drink. Look for a hose with connectors that are free of lead or one that’s labeled “drinking water safe” if this is a priority.
