Expandable garden hoses are a newer technology that is a great alternative to the traditional vinyl or rubber garden hose – especially if you are looking to save on space.
Lasting five to ten years depending on how well they are taken care of, expandable hoses are made from a double layer of tubing with the outer layer protecting the inner layer which expands to three times its size when filled with water.
These hoses are less likely to kink or have holes and are incredibly lightweight. They can usually only handle moderate water pressure (nothing too high or strong) and are able to drain themselves to their smaller original size when there is no water in them.
Expandable garden hoses are often able to fit spray nozzles, hose fittings, and other water features. This article covers the best expandable garden hoses by showing reviews and comparisons of the top products on the market with a final verdict of the best of the best at the end.
COMPARISON CHART
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Features
- 1.8 pounds
- Capable of water pressure of 145 PSI/10 bar
- Endurance tested up to 2000 uses
- Comes in two colors: green and blue
- 100% latex inner tube
- 3750D polyester fabric
- Solid brass fittings
For a hose that is lightweight, durable, and works well, this is the hose for you.
WHAT WE LIKE
Hoses are heavy, but this 1.8-pound hose is ⅓ of the weight of a traditional hose and incredibly easy to carry around the house or garden. This hose also expands to three times its size.
For the 25-foot hose, without water in it, the hose is only nine feet long and expands to 25 feet with 0.5 Mpa water pressure. The hose quickly returns to its 9-foot length in seconds when the water runs out. This expandable garden hose is extremely flexible and does not kink, twist, or tangle.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
This hose, although well put together, can easily spring a leak after a few uses if not well cared for. The water pressure component can vary and sometimes will prevent the hose from watering well with a lot of pressure due to the inside of the hose trying not to burst from too much water pressure.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Expands to three times its length
- Flexible, never tangles, twists, or kinks.
CONS
- Can easily leak if not well cared for
- Water pressure varies
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Features
- Inner Hose: Double layer latex
- Outer Material: 3300D polyester fabric
- Connector Material: “Solid”
- Diameter of the valve: 3/4 inch
- Temperature range: -4℉(-20℃) to 122℉(50℃)
Like many of the hoses on this list, the Gardguard expandable garden hose comes in many colors and sizes – 25 feet, 50 feet, and 100 feet.
What makes the hose different from many on this list is the nylon 3300D polyester fabric nozzle that makes the hose durable and useful for several years. This expandable garden hose is lightweight, flexible, and has a strong wear-and-tear resistance which makes the hose perfect for taking around the garden.
WHAT WE LIKE
“We provide buyers with a one-year warranty. Contact us via Amazon If you have any questions about the use of the product within one year, we will actively deal with and solve your problems.” This is better than most warranties as Amazon is responsive and some companies evade the “guaranteed” warranty by not responding to the customers.
The fabric cover that the expandable hose is made from has a high-density double-layer latex core along with a 3300D polyester fabric cover to prevent leakage on the inside and breakage on the outside. This expandable hose also can withstand cold and hot temperatures from -4℉(-20℃) to 122℉(50℃).
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The company plays on words when it claims that the hoses expand “up to 50 feet” as they make it only to around 30 feet if pulling hard on the hose.
The durability of the fittings is next to none as they are lightweight aluminum colored to look like brass. Although they are advertised as “solid fittings”. The end result of the aluminum fittings is that they easily bend and the surrounding threads don’t stay true and come out; therefore, destroying the hose.
PROS
- Large temperature range
- Durable hose material (inner and outer layers)
- One-year warranty via Amazon
CONS
- The maximum hose size option is 100 feet – shorter than the competition
- The hose expansion sizes are “up to x number of feet”
- Aluminum fittings
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Features
- Inner Hose: Double layer latex
- Outer Material: 3300D polyester fabric
- Connector Material: “Solid”
- Diameter of the valve: 3/4 inch
- Temperature range: -4℉(-20℃) to 122℉(50℃)
As a gardener, it is important to know which plants require which type of watering – some just a light spray, others need to have more drenched soil. This hose will help deliver the best results with a nine-pattern sprayer nozzle while also being lightweight, flexible, and expandable.
WHAT WE LIKE
The nozzle has nine functions: angle, mist, center, full, flat, shower, cone, jet, and soaker. Each fitting different watering requirements. The hose also has a shut-off valve on the nozzle. Weighing in at just 3.2 pounds, this expandable hose is made from heavy-duty latex piping on the inside and brass connectors making the hose also leak-resistant.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Although the material makes the hose leak-resistant from the inside, the hose is also easily punctured so gardens that have thorns or cacti in them should be extra careful with this hose. Along the same lines, the hose’s outside is frail and ends up fraying after some use.
PROS
- Shut-off valve at fingertips
- Nine nozzle functions
- Lightweight
CONS
- Not puncture-proof
- Outer layer frays
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Features
- Multi-pattern nozzle
- Heavy-duty material: brass connectors and rubber hose
- Water pressure valve attachment
- Five pounds in weight when full of water
For a lightweight but heavy-duty solution to watering the garden while also keeping an organized hose station, this Delxo expandable garden hose is a good choice. This hose comes in many colors and sizes, has a multi-pattern nozzle along with a water pressure valve attachment, is made from heavy-duty material, and is lightweight coming in at only five pounds.
WHAT WE LIKE
The hose ranges from 25 to 100 feet when full of water depending on the size bought. This expandable garden hose is kink-free when not in use as the hose shrivels up and can easily be wound up. This expandable garden hose is also flexible when in use, unlike some other expandable garden hoses which become hard and unmovable when full of water.
The hose is made from heavy-duty materials such as ¾ inch solid brass connectors and heavy-duty rubber. The hose comes with an extra plastic protective cover to prevent leakage and reduce abrasion. The nine choices in the multi-pattern nozzle head also include a water pressure valve attachment to be able to easily shut off the hose or adjust the water pressure.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
If anything does go wrong with the hose, the seller is either unresponsive or refuses to provide a refund so buying this hose means taking a chance on that. After the warranty period ends is when this hose begins to break down meaning there is no refund possible.
PROS
- Many sizes and colors
- Flexible when full of water
- Made from heavy-duty materials
- Extra plastic cover
- Multi-pattern nozzle
CONS
- Unresponsive seller
- No refunds
- Breaks after the warranty period is over
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Features
- 10-pattern spray nozzle
- ¾ inch solid brass connectors
- 3-12 Bar (43-174 PSI) water pressure sustainability
- Withstands temperatures ranging from 41℉ to 113℉
For an expandable garden hose that returns to its original length when the water flow is done, doesn’t kick or tangle, and is compact, lightweight, easy to carry, and very easy to store, this Knoikos Expandable Garden Hose is a great option.
WHAT WE LIKE
With ten nozzle features, the Knoikos expandable garden hose beats out the competition on the market by having the most water features out there. The soft rubber coating handle also makes the hose sprayer very comfortable to hold while additionally preventing slipping.
In theory, the thick latex inner hose piping combined with the tightly-knit outer fabric provides a durable hose expanding-retracting performance while also withstanding pressure without leaking or bursting.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The water pressure that the hose puts out is dramatically lower than advertised. The hose also works well at first but breaks easily or starts leaking after several uses.
PROS
- 10 nozzle features
- Comfortable sprayer
- No-leak and no-burst design
CONS
- Easily broken
- Works well at first, but does not last
- Pressure issues
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Features
- Eight nozzle spray patterns
- Five-piece gardening set pack with shoe
- Flexible design
- Easy to use
- Easy to store
For a hose that comes with all of the gadgets and trinkets any hose owner and gardener could want with their hose, this HBlife hose is lightweight, flexible in design, and expands beautifully (from 33.5 feet to 100 feet when full of water).
WHAT WE LIKE
With eight spray patterns – full, flat, shower, cone, jet, soaker, mist, and center – this hose can be used on just about anything that requires water without putting out too much water pressure (for example, on a delicate plant).
This hose comes in a large set making the package a great deal for your money – a five-piece gardening set, expandable garden hose 100 ft, 8 functions metal garden hose nozzle, storage bag, spare rubber seals, and user manual are included.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Expandable garden hoses are often lightweight, and this hose is no expectation weighing in at five pounds. However, that is heavier than many of the competition on the market.
PROS
- Eight nozzle spray patterns
- Comes with a five-piece gardening set
- Flexible design
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Features
- Lightweight
- Heavy-duty material
- Withstand water pressure up to 12 bars
- Withstand temperatures between 41ºF to 113ºF
- ¾ inch brass connectors
- 3750D elastic outer fabric with 4 layers of latex
For a hose that is fantastic for the garden and outside the garden (hosing down dirty pets or water fights with kids), this is a great hose for the occasion(s). Made from heavy-duty material while being lightweight, this hose is durable and yet anyone can lift the hose and use it easily – regardless of their strength.
WHAT WE LIKE
The Flexi Hose comes in a myriad of color options as well as different sizes in each color: 50 feet, 75 feet, 100 feet, and 150 feet. This expandable garden hose expands to three times its original length and automatically shortens (without help from a human) when the water turns off – the hose drains itself.
In terms of durability, this hose is versatile. The hose can withstand water temperatures between 41ºF to 113ºF and water pressure to 12 bars (174 PSI). In the testing stages, this hose was endurance tested to 2,000 uses before anything defected on the hose. The 3750D elastic outer fabric with 4 layers of latex protects the inner tube of the hose from sharp corners, thorns, and general punctures.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
There is a loss of water pressure – about 40% less pressure than a regular 5/8″ normal hose. This is due to the inherent construction of the hose having a smaller diameter. This hose, in particular, is not known for its high wear and tear. In fact, after a few months, the hose bursts at the seams near the connection to the faucet end in several cases.
PROS
- Myriad of colors and sizes
- Made from heavy-duty material
- Self-draining
CONS
- Loss of water pressure
- Bursts at seams – not leak-free
HOW TO PRESERVE EXPANDABLE GARDEN HOSES
There are several ways to ensure that the expandable garden hose lasts as long as possible.
- Limit the water flow if the water pressure is higher than normal to avoid hose damage.
- In the wintertime when gardening and the hose not in action, completely drain the hose of water and store the hose in shade or a covered area as otherwise the hose will harden with ice and break.
- Avoid exposure to the sun
- Always check for cuts, tears, and punctures on the outer part of the hose as that is what protects the inner-expandable hose from leaking.
- Avoid walking on the hose, especially when the hose has water in it.
FINAL VERDICT
The winner of the best expandable garden hose is TheFitLife Flexible and Expandable Garden Hose Pipe. This is mostly due to its well-designed and put-together heavy-duty body as well as its versatility.
Hoses can be difficult and ugly to store, but this expandable garden hose pipe can easily fit in a smallish flower pot for storage which can also look neat in design for the garden (assuming the pot is kept out of the sun).
The green color option of the hose blends in nicely with the grass and garden and retracts well when the water turns off. This well-designed expandable garden hose is also extremely flexible and does not kink, twist, or tangle. This expandable hose was designed to also connect to other hoses (of the same brand) to become a longer size.
Material is everything in this situation and this expandable garden hose is no exception. The 3750D polyester, interwoven elasticated outside fabric layer is rugged and dense which helps protect the inner tube.
This material also has a higher resistance to bursting and damage caused by dragging the hose along the ground. The inner layer is triple-layered and endurance tested up to 2,000 uses at 145 PSI/10 bar which means when used at this water pressure, the hose can withstand many uses.
As the hose expands quickly, the brass valve at the end of the hose – which will not corrode, leak, or crack – helps control the water flow. This valve can withstand temperatures of -5ºC (23ºF) to 98ºC (208ºF) which is more extreme than the competition can handle.
This expandable garden hose is incredibly versatile as the hose has eight different spray nozzle options which, although that is not the most expansive on the market, is still great in what the hose accomplishes. By having a multi-pattern nozzle, this hose is able to water different types of plants with different needs, water cars, and bathe pets.
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