We Tested 30 Garden Hoses—These Are the 6 You Need for Your Yard

The Bottom Line

Overall, we recommend the Eley Polyurethane Garden Hose because it has a solid, durable build and is offered in multiple lengths. The hose itself is also drinking water safe.

Our Testing Process

Over the course of two days, nine testers went to our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, and put 30 garden hoses to the test. To determine the best garden hose, testers started by picking up each hose and deciding if it seemed lighter or heavier than expected based on its size and material—they didn't know how much it actually weighed beforehand. They also evaluated if it felt easy to carry.

From there, the hoses were connected to water spigots so testers could see the quality of the fitting, as well as if there was any leakage. Then, the feeder hose of the reel was connected to the water spigot and the garden hose was connected to the water coupling on the reel to determine any leakage.

Afterward, the hoses were unwinded from the reel and dragged across grass, cement, and a garden rake with the tines turned up, as well as around three large planters, to test durability. Whether or not a hose was durable was based on any wear and tear. The final task required testers to attempt to wind the hose back up on the reel when it was both full of water and empty.

From there, the testers used a predetermined methodology to score each garden hose between one and five in four categories: design, ease of use, durability, and value. The final rating was determined by averaging each pick's scores across categories.

What to Know About Garden Hoses Before Shopping

Length

The best garden hose length depends on a few factors, like the size of your yard, your needs, and where your water source is. If you have a small vegetable garden to water, you'll likely only need a 50-foot option; however, a larger outdoor space, as well as one that's far from a water supply, can warrant a longer style. It's worth keeping in mind that, according to Weinstein, the longer the hose the less pressure there is at the end of it.

"If people have a very long length to go, they might want to make sure they have enough pressure or might want to have another water outlet closer because they might not be able to run 200 feet," she says.

In terms of length, Weinstein also notes that you should consider connecting shorter hoses together instead of just purchasing one longer hose. That way, you can have different lengths and water pressures as well as have a backup hose in case one breaks.

Width

A hose's width can be anywhere from a 1/2 inch to an inch, with the most common size being 5/8 inch. According to Weinstein, the width of a hose is a key factor when it comes to a hose's water pressure.

"A skinnier hose will have more pressure than a wider hose," Weinstein says. "Even though the wider hose can deliver more water because more water can go through it, it has less pressure."

Material

Garden hoses come in a variety of materials, including polyurethane, rubber, vinyl, and stainless steel. According to Weinstein, vinyl tends to be the least expensive while rubber is a very durable option to consider. Although she's never tried a stainless steel style, Weinstein notes that you'll want to be mindful that the material could potentially get hot or cold depending on the weather outside—no issues were reported during testing, however. For the expandable options that have a latex interior, Weinstein says they're both lightweight and flexible, so they're easy to carry around a yard when you need them.

Other Garden Hoses We Tested

Flexzilla Garden Lead-in Hose

Overall, the Flexzilla Garden Lead-in Hose received a near-perfect average score during testing. Testers appreciated the hose's bright yellow coloring, which made it easy to spot in a yard. They also liked that it didn't kink and had a sturdy feel. They noted, however, that it was heavy when full of water, making it more difficult to move around the garden.

Dramm 17036 ColorStorm Rubber Garden Hose

The Dramm 17036 ColorStorm Rubber Garden Hose was rated highly due to its value and durability. Overall, testers found that it was a strong option, and the kinks easily unraveled. Testers liked the purple color of the hose, but it's offered in five other colors as well if you prefer a different shade. Testers found that the hose did kink a bit, but the kinks straightened out quickly.

Water Right Soaker Garden Hose

During testing, the Water Right Soaker Garden Hose earned its highest scores for its design and durability. Testers noted it was lightweight but that it kept its coil shape, which made it hard to carry around. It was also kinking quite a bit, as opposed to other options. However, the garden hose was easily threaded onto the spigot.

Your Questions, Answered

Can you drink water from a garden hose?

Some hoses will be marked as drinking water safe, meaning it's made with materials that are free of any harmful substances as well as resistant to mold and mildew growth. However, it's important to note that while the hose itself may not pose a concern, there are other factors that could impact whether or not it's truly safe to drink out of.

"Theoretically, you can drink out of them, provided of course your water is drinkable and you've never run anything through there other than straight water," Weinstein says.

Overall, you'll want to avoid drinking water out of a hose that's had any fertilizers, pesticides, or other dangerous materials running through it. There's also a chance that there could be bacteria or insects inside the hose, so it's generally not recommended as a drinking water source.

What is the best style for my yard?

Garden hoses are offered in a variety of styles: standard, soaker, coiled, and expandable. Each has its own benefits, so it's important to assess your garden and any personal needs. A standard garden hose is a versatile pick that can be used for vegetable gardens, your yard, or anything else you need to water around your outdoor space.

A soaker hose has tiny holes all along it that allow for a slow release of water into the soil. The hose is placed in a fixed spot on the ground. It's a low-maintenance option as you just have to set it on the ground and let it work—no need to hold it or manually control the water flow.

A coiled option is ideal for smaller spaces, decks, and balconies as it's fairly compact and can recoil after being used. In a similar vein, expandable hoses are also compact and can triple in size when filled with water. However, they tend to not be very long-lasting.

How do you care for a garden hose?

Though it may seem like a garden hose can just be put on a reel between uses, performing a few more maintenance tasks before storing your hose for the day can extend its life.

"Drain it every single time you use it. Water can degrade the interior of your hose," Weinstein says. "Anytime that you do run anything, [like chemicals], through it, you should then run clean water through to flush it out." Weinstein says that failing to drain a garden hose properly can lead to bacteria growth.

Although you may leave your hose outdoors, Weinstein recommends storing garden hoses in a place where they're protected from the outdoor elements, such as a basement, garage, or shed.

Who We Are

Jamie Weissman is a commerce editor for Better Homes & Gardens. To make this list, she used insights from a set of nine testers who tested each garden hose in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. She considered each pick's length, width, material, and maximum pressure rating as well. She also consulted Mobee Weinstein, foreman of gardeners for outdoor gardens at the New York Botanical Garden.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.