Hoses are usually made of vinyl, rubber, metal or polymer blend. Rubber hoses are often the most durable and the most flexible, but because rubber hoses are so flexible, they are also prone to kinking. Expandable hoses are awesome because they are easy to use and practically never kink. One thing you do need to be mindful of though is the fact that if these hoses get tangled, that can knot. Here’s video of me straightening out this expandable 50 foot garden hose: In my opinion, this was the easiest hose I tested for screwing onto the spigot – notice it has a swivel grip for easy attaching (video below). To compile this list of the best garden hoses across all different types, we tested 30 garden hoses in our Lab, evaluating them on design, ease of use, durability, and value. For expert advice on what to look for in a garden hose, we turned to Erin Schanen, creator of The Impatient Gardener, as well as Gary McCoy, store manager at Lowe's. This Stanley Fatmax hose will be perfect for you if you want a heavy duty hose for around the hose. This hose offers up a great combination of durability, flexibility, high flow rate, and kink resistance. The Stanley Fatmax hose could also be used in commercial settings, but just know that some rubber hoses may be a better fit for that application.

Hoses designed to be kink-resistant usually accomplish this by adding extra layering, which results in a stiffer hose that basically can’t kink. Just beware, kink-resistant hoses are often harder to maneuver due to this stiffness.This coil hose in particular stands out for two reasons: its material and design. Like our best heavy-duty hose, it's made from UV-stabilized polyurethane, an extremely durable, flexible, and lightweight material that's resistant to punctures and abrasions. The couplings are made from lead-free brass. "I can see this lasting for many years," says one tester. In terms of design, this garden hose has unique straight tail ends as opposed to being coiled all the way through, which makes it easier to direct the flow of water and attach it to the spigot. Plus, it's drinking water-safe. This hose does have a rather small diameter at 3/8 inch, which can restrict the water flow, so it's best reserved for low-pressure watering. Sprinkler hose. The entire length of a sprinkler hose is flat, with small holes on the top. When the water is turned on, it sprays out of the holes like a sprinkler. Rubber hoses are often the most durable and the most flexible, but they are also prone to kinking. Hoses designed to be kink-resistant usually accomplish this by adding extra layering, which results in a stiffer hose. Metal hoses are pet-proof and puncture-resistant. Expandable hoses are ultra lightweight and great for simple tasks. To get the most use out of your garden hose while keeping your plants healthy, consider the following tips.

All-purpose hose. An all-around basic hose for watering and cleaning is available in different sizes and materials, and may be lightweight or heavy-duty. While this hose is great for commercial applications, it could also make sense for homeowners who need an efficient flow rate for certain types of projects around the house (such as watering a large yard). The Ag Lite Rubber 3/4″ hose had the second best flow rate out of any hose we tested. Nozzles. Garden hose nozzles can give you a pistol-like jet of water for cleaning, or be adjusted to a wide gentle spray that’s good for watering a large area of delicate plants. Like couplings, nozzles are made of plastic, metal or a combination of both. Metal nozzles weigh more, last longer and are less prone to breaking if they’re dropped on a hard surface. A flexible hose is easier to handle and less likely to kink or twist during use. If you want a flexible hose, look for an expandable garden hose or any hose that’s advertised as “kink-resistant” or “no-kink.” CouplingsWorth Gardening is a Chinese company, headquartered in Shanghai. They has three factories in China to manufacture first-class yet affordable gardening products, from cutting tools, planters, sprayers to hoses. With all of its reputation, Worth Gardening is a brand you can trust. Water early or late in the day when it’s cool outside. Using your garden hose during the heat of the day causes some of the water to evaporate, resulting in wasted water and a higher water bill. Gilmour’s AquaArmor Lightweight Hose is among the lightest we’ve tested. In fact, only three of the hoses we’ve tested to date have been lighter, but at nearly 400 gallons per hour, the AquaArmor’s flow rate is considerably higher.