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In This Review: Our Top Picks | Buying Guide | Garden Hose FAQ | Additional Resources | Our Methodology
Unlike traditional garden hoses, expandable hoses grow to their full length when filled with water and shrink when they’re no longer in use, making them easy to store and maneuver around your yard or in your garage.
Expandable garden hoses are an excellent option for household use such as watering plants and bushes, washing your car, or cleaning off your deck or patio. However, not all expandable garden hoses are made equal. Choosing the best hose for your home can depend on several factors, such as how often you will be using it, how long you need it to be, and what spray nozzles you prefer. Depending on size, expandable garden hoses can run anywhere from $20 to $75 or more.
To help you find the best expandable garden hose for you, we researched the top products on the market. Overall, our top choice is the Flexi Hose Expandable Kit, which is a 100-foot hose with eight spray pattern options and a textured rubber grip for easy use. Read our buying guide below for more of our top pick
Top 3 Expandable Garden Hoses
- Best Overall: Flexi Hose Expandable Kit
- Best Small Hose: Xhose Expandable Hose
- Most Versatile: Flexi Hose Lightweight
Compare Top Expandable Garden Hoses
| Product | Size | Material | Dimensions | Color | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexi Hose Lightweight Expandable Garden Hose Kit | 100 feet | Latex | 10.5 x 9.1 x 6.22 inches | Green | Lifetime |
| Xhose Expandable Garden Hose | 25 feet | Latex | 17 x 11 x 9 inches | Black | 5 years |
| Gardguard Expandable Garden Hose | 50 feet | Latex, Polyester | 9.5 x 9 x 4.3 inches | Black and blue (other colors available) | 1 year |
| Product | Size | Material | Dimensions | Color | Warranty |
Best Overall
Flexi Hose 100-Foot Expandable Hose
- $75.23
- $84.99
- 11% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners looking for a solidly built, large garden hose with numerous nozzle functions.
What Are People Saying About the Flexi Hose 100-Foot Expandable Hose?
Our team found that customers who liked the Flexi Hose found it lived up to its promise of being easy to use and store, remaining kink-free even when coiled. Unfortunately, we also saw that some customers said that the spray nozzle felt a little flimsy. They also had difficulty finding information on the lifetime replacement guarantee.
“Our previous hose was incredibly heavy (tore the hose holder off the wall), was unwieldy and generally a major pain in the butt. It was to the point we just used a watering can because unfurling this beast was so much work. After reading the reviews on this page I decided to give this a try. I cannot believe how great this hose is. We purchased the 100 foot length and I can hold the whole thing in one hand, unbelievable.” — Luka via Amazon
“I loved the ease of using this hose. It was lightweight, easy to store and worked great until it developed a leak less than 2 years from when I bought it. Since it came with a lifetime warranty, I reached out to the seller. They responded quickly, but much to my dismay, they sent me a cheaper version of this hose. They said they were out of the Flexi Hose, so they sent me the Rocket hose, which is much cheaper to buy.” — Mina C. via Amazon
Best Small Hose
Xhose Expandable Garden Hose
- $54.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeonwers looking for a small expandable hose that’s made with durable materials.
What Are People Saying About the Xhose Expandable Garden Hose?
We found that customers who used other expandable hoses in the past said that this model outperformed their expectations, especially given its entry-level price. They mentioned that the hose didn’t experience any leaks and that the connectors felt high-quality. Alternatively, we did see some customers who said that the hose got too hot when left out in direct sunlight, and for select users, the hose material tore easily.
“I have spent so much money over the years on knock-off hoses only to see them burst after a short time in use. In addition, the hardware breaks or some other ridiculous thing happens to them. Let me be clear: get this hose! After 1 year in use and forgetting to turn off the hose countless times and still no bursting, it is going strong. Well worth the money.” — HikieBikeGo via Amazon
“I enjoyed the toggle switch to control the flow of water (the best part), after a month, there were bulges forming at the top of the cord to the handle, along with curly q’s that wouldn’t unroll, this morning I had to turn the flow off and the bulge blew after three months of use.” — Red via Amazon
Most Versatile
Flexi Hose 50-Foot Expandable Hose
- $64.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Customers looking for a durable, versatile hose that can withstand high temperatures and water pressure levels.
What Are People Saying About the Flexi Hose 50-Foot Expandable Hose?
Our research showed that most customers felt that this hose delivered on the company’s promises, with a few even saying that the most recent design was an improvement on earlier incarnations that had less sturdy tubes and connectors. However, we also saw some customers report low water pressure or leaks during use.
“Our townhouse shares a spigot with several others, and we access it on a neighbor’s property. We needed a 50-foot hose to reach our garden, and for years we had to carry a heavy hose from our storage shed twice a day to water. This hose has been fantastic. It’s lightweight, and we keep it in a tote bag in our hall closet. It behaves just as it’s described. It expands and lengthens as it fills with water and is easy to maneuver. When you turn off the water, is goes back to size and easily packs away.” — semifl. via Amazon
“I wanted to like these hoses — I bought three of them last year, used them heavily and stored them in the barn over winter — because they were very light and very easy to maneuver around the yard and garden beds. However, one sprang a leak last fall — a slit about a quarter inch long running lengthwise in the middle of the hose — and another sprung a similar leak this spring.” — rpmuldoon via Amazon
Buying Guide to Expandable Garden Hoses
Before buying an expandable garden hose, it’s important to consider what features you require in your model. Before determining what expandable garden hose is best for your needs, it’s critical to consider factors such as the hose’s length and material, as well as the type and amount of spray nozzle patterns.
From there, you can also use factors such as color and grip to help you find the best model for you. Read our buying guide below for more information on choosing the best expandable garden hose for your home.
What is the standard hose length of an expandable garden hose?
Choose a hose that’s long enough to water your entire lawn and all of your plants. If you have a large yard, you may want a longer hose, but if you only need to water a few plants on your deck, a smaller hose will suffice.
Standard hose lengths are 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet. However, remember that a hose may not expand to its advertised length if your water pressure is low. For example, a 75-foot hose may only expand to 65 feet when hooked up to your spigot.
What fitting material is an expandable garden hose usually made from?
The connectors, couplings, and fittings that attach your hose to the water supply and nozzles or sprinkler heads can be made of different materials.
- Aluminum fittings: Aluminum typically lasts longer than plastic but not as long as brass.
- Brass fittings: Solid brass fittings won’t corrode or rust and is more durable than plastic.
- Plastic fittings: Plastic fittings are typically more affordable but less durable than alternatives.
What core material is an expandable garden hose made from?
The exterior of your hose will likely feature a durable fabric cover. However, the hose core can be made of one of two materials:
- Latex: Water hoses with a latex core usually have two, three, or four layers. A core with more layers will give you more protection, but it also makes for a less flexible hose overall.
- Thermoplastic copolyester: This material is heat-resistant and more durable than latex, but it’s also more expensive.
What should you look for in a garden hose nozzle?
Some expandable hoses have nozzles that allow you to change the spray pattern. Pay close attention to the product description of your hose to ensure you know whether a nozzle is included.
Some features to look for in a nozzle include an ergonomic design that helps with ease of use, durability, and several spray patterns. Although it costs a little more to buy a hose and nozzle separately, it may be worth finding the corresponding model for each one.
What colors do garden hoses typically come in?
The color of your expandable garden hose isn’t the most important consideration, but you may want a hose that’s highly visible and easy to spot in your backyard. Conversely, you might want a dark green hose that blends in with the color of your grass. It’s worth noting that black hoses will get hotter in direct sunlight than green, blue, or orange-colored hoses.
Expandable Hose Uses
Expandable garden hoses are excellent, versatile tools for numerous outdoor tasks. Here are some of our favorite alternative uses for a hose.
- Bathing pets: The gentle water flow from an expandable hose makes it a good tool for bathing your dog or cat. Connect a suitable attachment or use a handheld sprayer to give your furry friends a comfortable and thorough cleaning.
- Cleaning windows and outdoor furniture: Attach a soft bristle brush or sponge to the end of the hose to clean windows, outdoor furniture, and other delicate surfaces. The adjustable spray settings will help you achieve the proper water pressure for each task.
- Emergency uses: An expandable hose can serve as a temporary water source for tasks like extinguishing small fires or flushing wounds.
- Farming applications: Expandable hoses can also be useful in a pinch for certain farming tasks like irrigating small fields or watering livestock.
- Filling pools and inflatable items: If you have a small inflatable pool, expandable hoses can quickly fill them up.
- Washing automobiles: The expandable hose can be useful for washing cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles. Attach a nozzle with adjustable spray settings to provide gentle or high water pressure for effective cleaning.
- Washing off surfaces: Use the hose to clean surfaces around your home, such as patios, decks, driveways, and sidewalks. It can help remove dirt, debris, leaves, and stains. You can also use hoses to prewet landscape to help avoid the materials getting burned with a cleaner. This Old House‘s Mark McCullough demonstrates how to clean the hardscape around your home in the video below.
Expandable Garden Hose FAQ
What are some of the disadvantages of purchasing an expandable garden hose?
Here are some of the most significant drawbacks of choosing an expandable hose:
- It doesn’t last as long as a regular garden hose
- It may be easier to puncture than a regular or soaker hose.
- It isn’t easy to locate and repair holes hidden by the fabric sheath
Is a hose reel necessary for a hose to work?
Hose reels are not necessary to operate expandable and regular garden hoses. Retractable hoses also don’t require a reel, although you may prefer to use one. Reels keep your hose organized and kink-free, so while they’re not necessary, they are helpful.
How can I maintain my garden hose?
To maintain your hose, follow these tips:
- Turn the water off when the hose isn’t in use
- Store the hose out of direct sunlight
- Keep the hose away from sharp objects
- Drain the hose after using it
- Keep your hose in a safe, dry spot
- Invest in a hose holder or, better yet, build a wooden hose holder yourself
Can I fix my expandable garden hose if it has a leak?
Most expandable hoses can’t be fixed once they start leaking because of the material they’re made of. If you notice that your hose leaks, consider reaching out to the manufacturer, especially if your hose is under warranty. Otherwise, consider purchasing a new one.
Additional Gardening Resources
In case searching for the right hose is just part of a larger mission, we’ve compiled some of our top-rated gardening and lawn care tips, guides, and videos below.
Roundups and Reviews
- Best Fertilizer Spreaders
- Best Gifts for Gardeners
- Best Lawn Care Service Companies
- Best Sprinklers
- Tools for First-Time Gardeners
Tips and Tutorials
- Best Year-Round Lawn Care Schedule
- How to Create a Backyard Oasis
- How to Treat Your Lawn Organically
- When to Fertilize Your Lawn
- Which Grass is Best for Your Area?
How We Selected the Best Expandable Hoses
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of expandable hoses with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of garden, lawn, and outdoor products—from fertilizer and garden hoses to patio furniture and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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