Over the years, a lot of inventions have come along that make doing chores a little easier. When it comes to lawn work, the expandable hose was a game-changer.
Choosing the best expandable garden hose for your lawn is a great way to save a lot of time and frustration.
Table of Contents
What is an Expandable Garden Hose?
Expandable garden hoses are made of two layers, an inner layer that’s usually made of latex and an outer nylon cover, though some brands use different materials.
The end of the hose has a shut-off valve, so when you turn the water on, the water cannot exit the hose. Instead, it builds up, which increases the pressure in the hose, causing it to expand up to three times its original size.
One the hose has reached its full length, open the valve and use the hose just as you would any other garden hose. Most expandable hoses are self-draining. When you turn the spigot off, the water drains from the hose, and it contracts to its original size.
Pros and Cons of Expandable Garden Hose
In most cases, expandable hoses save a lot of time and aggravation, but that’s not always the case. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of an expandable garden hose.
Pros:
They expand to three times their original length and are available in a range of sizes.
They are five times lighter than a regular garden hose, so they’re much easier to maneuver around your yard.
When the water is turned off, they self-drain and coil for easy storage.
Thanks to their unique construction, these hoses will never twist, kink, or tangle, making your job easier.
They are available in a range of colors and designs.
The connections are standard and work with most spigots in your home.
A lot of these hoses include accessories, like a storage bag or multi-purpose spray nozzle.
Cons:
Some lower quality designs leak or burst with too much pressure.
Stretching them too far can result in damage.
As you can see, the biggest problems with expandable hoses are in the quality of the construction. That’s why it’s so important to choose a product that you know you can trust.
The 10 Best Expandable Hoses For Your Garden & Lawn
Because quality is such an important part of choosing an expandable garden hose, we found 10 of the best products out there to help you decide which is right for you.
This expandable garden hose from Flexi is one of the most advanced options on the market. It uses high-quality materials and the latest technology that make it easy for you to maneuver around your garden.
FlexiHose features ¾-inch solid brass connectors and latex pipe to prevent leaks. The convenient on/off valve is easy to use, and the hose is so strong, it can tolerate up to 12 bars of water pressure and temperatures as high as 113 degrees F.
This hose is available in three lengths, each of which expands to three times its length and quickly returns to its original size when the water is turned off. Choose from lengths of 50, 75, or 100 feet and seven different colors.
That’s not all, this hose comes with a free rotating nozzle with eight spray patterns so you can choose the right setting for the task at hand. It’s made from durable zinc alloy and has a slip-resistant, ergonomic rubberized handle that’s easy and comfortable to use.
2. Aterod Expandable Garden Hose
The Aterod garden hose expands to three times its original size when the water is turned on quickly and shrinks back to its compact size when the water is off. It’s lightweight and flexible, so it’s really easy to store. Just use the included hanging hook and keep it out of the sun.
This 75-foot long hose is extremely durable, with a solid ¾ inch brass connector and a leak-proof connector, rubber washer, and an extra flexible fabric cover. It’s lightweight, highly portable, and easy to store using the included hose hook.
It tolerates between three and 12 bars of pressure and temperatures between 41 and 113 degrees F. You also get a multi-function nozzle with nine spray patterns, including cone, mist, shower, jet so you can use it to water your garden, clean your car, or give your dog a bath.
3. TBI Pro Garden Hose Expandable
The TBI Pro was designed to avoid most of the common problems that people experience with garden hoses. It’s made of high-quality materials designed to last, including four-layers of latex and a durable fabric covering.
This hose expands from 17-feet to 100-feet long within seconds with the proper water pressure. It won’t twist, kink, tangle, or burst. Plus, the innovative connectors ensure that there are no leaks and the shut-off valve and connectors are made of rust-free brass.
You get some nice accessories with this kit, too, including a garden hose 100ft, shut-off valve, 4 rubber washers and storage box. This hose is extremely lightweight, too, so it’s easy to maneuver and store when you’re done.
4. TheFitLife Flexible and Expandable Garden Hose
This hose from TheFitLife was specifically designed to make your life easier. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and never kinks or twists. The 13-layer core is wrapped with strong, interwoven polyester fabric. It tolerates up to 2,000 uses and should last quite a long time.
A brass end valve allows for better control over water flow and can tolerate temperatures from 23 to more than 200 degrees F. It also quickly expands to three times its length so you can use it anywhere in your yard or around the house.
This hose comes with a spray nozzle that saves water and has eight patterns to adjust to any application. The thumb control and non-slip rubber grip are easy and comfortable to use.
One of the best things about this hose is that it’s available in multiple sizes. You can even connect multiple hoses if you need even more length. Choose from 25, 50, 75, or 100-feet options.
5. GrowGreen Heavy Duty Expandable Garden Hose
This expandable hose from GrowGreen expands to three times its size and if available in four sizes so you can get the perfect size for your lawn. Choose from 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet.
These hoses will never twist, kink, or tangle and the durable latex material is pressure-resistant and won’t burst or leak with standard water pressure. It also has solid brass fittings, tough metal connectors, and a durable fabric cover that last a long time.
The flexible design is easy to handle, returns to its normal size quickly, and is easy to store using the included storage sack. It’s extremely compact so you can tuck it away just about anywhere.
Perhaps the best thing about this product is that it’s covered by a lifetime warranty. If you have any issues just get in touch with the manufacturer and they’ll help work it out.
6. Delxo Expandable Garden Hose
Delxo recently updated this design with a more effective plastic cover to reduce leaks and cut down on damage from abrasion. Durable rubber o-rings also help prevent leaks, and the included water leak tape helps make hose and splitter connections more reliable.
This hose features a brass valve that is convenient and comfortable to use, allowing you to switch the water on and off quickly. It’s also available in three lengths so you can get the coverage you need for your garden. Choose from 50, 75, and 100 feet to tackle just about any task.
This hose comes with a nine-pattern hose nozzle that includes shower, soaker, mist, and jet settings. It features a rotating bezel to choose your setting easily and a trigger buckle to keep the water on without hand fatigue. A nylon pouch is also included for neat and tidy storage.
7. HBlife Expandable Water Hose
If you’re looking for an expandable hose that comes in a range of sizes, take a look at this one from HBlife. They offer 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150-foot options so, whether your lawn is large or small, there’s an HBlife expandable hose for you.
No matter what size you choose, you get a hose made from the highest-quality materials. The solid brass connector, rubber washer, flexible polyester cover, and double latex pipe are made to last. In fact, this hose is expected to last 30 percent longer than regular hoses.
This hose includes some great extras, too, including spare rubber seals and a convenient storage bag. You also get a metal garden hose nozzle with eight water patterns which means you can use this hose effectively for many tasks.
HBlife offers a 30-day money-back guarantee as well as a one-year warranty as well as helpful customer service. If you ever have a problem, get in touch for a free replacement or a full refund.
8. Gardguard Expandable Garden Hose
This flexible, expandable hose has a high-density, double-layer latex core covered in tough polyester fabric for additional protection against breaks and leaks. With its solid ¾-inch brass connectors, this hose is built for long-term use. It can even withstand temperatures as low as 41 and as high as 113 degrees F.
There are three sizes to choose from, 25, 50, or 100 feet, so you can choose the right size for your space. It will expand quickly and shrink back to its normal size for quick and easy storage.
A nine-function nozzle is also included. It features a rubberized outer coating with a non-slip grip that’s comfortable and easy to use. Just rotate the bezel to choose your pattern then set the buckle for continuous spray without having to hold down the trigger.
9. VIENECI Garden Expandable Hose
The expandable garden hose from VIENECI expands from 33 to 100 feet using only the water pressure from your spigot. It features a heavy-duty, double-layered latex core as well as solid brass fittings. You don’t have to worry about tears or leaks, and it’s made to last a long time.
This lightweight hose is portable, retractable, and easy to store. It can tolerate temperatures between 23 and 122 degrees F, thanks in part to the durable polyester cover. The updated design also features a durable copper sheath to strengthen the area around the connections.
Also included is a multi-functional spray nozzle with a non-slip, comfortable grip that’s easy to use. There are nine settings to choose from, including shower, jet, soaker, and mist. It’s perfect for watering flowers, washing the floor, giving your pet a soak.
10. GrowGreen Durable Expanding Garden Hose
GrowGreen’s expanding hose is available in multiple sizes, including 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet. That means you can find the one that’s just the right size for your yard or garden. They’ll never kink, twist, or tangle, making them super easy to use, and they roll up compactly for easy storage.
With this hose, you get a spray nozzle with eight pattern settings so you can use it for a variety of tasks, like spraying off your driveway, misting your outdoor plants, or getting caked-on mud off of your car. The nozzle is made with all brass connectors, providing an effective resistance to corrosion.
Best of all, this product comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. The durable pressure-resistant latex should last a long time without leaking or breaking, but if you have any problems, just get in touch with GrowGreen.
What to Consider When Choosing an Expandable Garden Hose?
There are a few things to think about when choosing the right expandable garden hose. Here are some of the features to consider:
Hose Length & Weight
Depending on the manufacturer, you may have a few options when it comes to choosing a length for your extendable garden hose. The most common is 50 feet when expanded, which roughly 17 feet when collapsed.
Other options that you might find are 25, 75, or 100 feet. Some brands even say you can link more than one hose together to make it even longer.
The length you need depends on the size of your yard and the location of the outside spigot. For example, if you plan to use your hose to water the garden in the back corner of your yard and the spigot is on the back of your house, you can use a shorter hose than if the spigot was on the opposite side of your home.
As for weight, that depends on the length of the hose, but they weigh roughly between 2 and 5 pounds.
Materials
A latex core is much more reliable than a TPC core. TPC cannot handle nearly as much pressure, and you run the risk of the hose breaking after only a few uses.
Latex cores are usually multi-layered, making them exceptionally durable. Pay attention to latex with brass connectors, though, as chemicals can build up in the tube and cause significant damage if the pressure gets too high.
The nylon shell exterior protects the inner core from abrasion and is necessary to keep the hose functioning properly. Most nylon shells are plain black or green, but there are some bright colors and patterns available, too.
Hose Fittings
Hose fittings attach the hose to the water spigot on one end and the spray nozzle on the other. They are usually made of plastic or brass. While plastic fittings are pretty durable, brass is usually a more durable option.
With repeated use, plastic fittings can wear and they won’t create as good a seal. That means that leaks are likely to develop over time as the plastic slowly wears away. Brass fittings hold up much longer through repeated use.
Nozzle
Expanding Water Hose with 9 Function Spray Nozzle
Most of the top-of-the-line expandable hoses include a multi-purpose nozzle with eight or nine spray settings. This makes the hose extremely versatile, as you can change it to the perfect pattern for the task at hand.
Water Pressure
The main thing to keep in mind about water pressure is that the hose requires a certain amount to fully expand. If it’s not getting enough water pressure, the hose will not get to its full length and the water pressure coming out of the hose will be inadequate.
Remember that the thicker the core, the more pressure the hose needs to expand. Added layers may increase durability, but they also make it a little harder to use the hose if it’s not getting the pressure it needs.
How to Use an Expandable Garden Hose?
First, check to make sure the rubber ring is inside the fitting that connects to the faucet. This helps prevent any leaks and makes sure that enough pressure gets into the hose to expand it properly. Once this is in place, attach it to the water source, but don’t turn it on yet.
Make sure the valve on the other end of the hose is in the off position. Then, turn on the spigot, allowing the water pressure to build and the hose to expand. When it has, switch the valve on. Screw on the nozzle if you have one, making sure all the connections are tight.
When you’re done, turn off the water at the source. Remove the nozzle and make sure the valve is open so that the water can drain. As the water drains from the hose, it will automatically retract to its original size. Note that this happens very quickly, so stand back and give the hose some space to avoid injury.
Caring For Your Expandable Hose
Here are some care tips to make sure your expandable hose lasts as long as possible:
Do not leave the water on if you’re not using the hose. The built-up pressure can damage the hose.
Make sure you know the maximum amount of pressure your hose can tolerate. For most, it’s 80 PSI.
Don’t pull on the hose to expand it. It should only be expanded using water pressure.
Drain the hose completely before storing it for long periods of time.
Don’t use your hose in freezing temperatures.
Keep the hose out of direct sunlight when not in use to prevent UV damage, which can make the hose brittle and cause cracks.
Don’t drag the hose across your driveway or other hard surfaces. This causes abrasion that can significantly shorten the lifespan of your hose.
Conclusion
There are a lot of great products out there if you’re searching for the best expandable garden hoses. All of the products we reviewed are great, but there are two that stuck out.
The first is the Flexi Lightweight Expandable Garden Hose. The solid brass connectors and high-quality materials should last a long time. In fact, this hose is so durable, it can tolerate temperatures as high as 113 degrees F.
We also really like that it’s available in three different lengths and seven colors. You can choose the one that not only fits your yard but also your color scheme.
This one has brass fittings, too, and includes a convenient storage sack so it’s easy to keep it tucked out of the sun when not in use. We also really love that it’s covered by a lifetime warranty.
Again, all of these products are great, so choose the one that stands out for you. Trust us, when you have an expandable garden hose, doing yard work will never be the same.
I purchased the Nifty Grower 100-foot expandable hose on Amazon. I immediately noticed that it does not discharge as much water as my standard 5/8 inch hose. I measured the flow and discovered that the expandable hose transmits about 40% less water than the standard hose. I think the low rate is due to a constriction in the nozzle. That means 40% more time is needed to transmit the same amount of water as a standard hose. I cannot find tramsmission rates for expandable hoses–I seek one that carries more water. Do you know of any tests on tramsmission rates?
I purchased the Nifty Grower 100-foot expandable hose on Amazon. I immediately noticed that it does not discharge as much water as my standard 5/8 inch hose. I measured the flow and discovered that the expandable hose transmits about 40% less water than the standard hose. I think the low rate is due to a constriction in the nozzle. That means 40% more time is needed to transmit the same amount of water as a standard hose. I cannot find tramsmission rates for expandable hoses–I seek one that carries more water. Do you know of any tests on tramsmission rates?