Think about how you will need to use your hose and where you need to use it before buying, which will help you determine what features, such as length and material, are important:
Material:
Hybrid polymers, or polymers, offer a good balance of toughness and durability, while being less likely to tangle, says Cervoni.Polyurethane is a plastic that’s lightweight, flexible, and abrasion-resistant.Rubber is thick, long-lasting, and resistant to tears, but it’s also heavy compared to other materials.Stainless steel is durable, but water running through metal hoses can get very hot, which may affect sensitive plants. The diameter may also be narrow, which can limit water flow.Expandable fabric is suitable for light to medium-duty chores, although it may have inconsistent water pressure and is prone to leaking or tearing quickly.
Drinking water safe: If you’re gardening organically or you fill your pet’s bowl or your children’s kiddie pool, you may not want one that contains substances such as lead and phthalates. “I’ve always searched for drinking water safe hoses that don’t add contaminants to the water,” says Rose. “They can be expensive, but you can find ones that claim to last a lifetime, and it’s worth it to me.”
Length:
Match your length to your needs, meaning get out a tape measure and see how long your hose needs to reach before making a purchase. “I’m a big fan of designating garden hoses to certain areas of the garden and buying the corresponding length,” says Cervoni. “For my front porch, I have a hose bib right next to it and need a hose for watering hanging and potted plants on the porch, so a 25-foot hose with a wand is perfect for that. No need to get anything longer there.”
For most average-sized gardens, a 50-foot hose is usually sufficient; however, you may benefit from a 100-foot hose for watering areas that are farthest away from the spigot.
Diameter:
Hoses most commonly come in 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch (.63) diameters. The narrower hoses are typically more lightweight but may restrict water flow somewhat —although that depends mainly on your home’s water pressure. In most cases, either size is adequate for most watering chores.
Other features to consider:
Swivel handle, which prevents tangles, says Cervoni.Brass fittings, which tend to hold up longer in the garden than other materials, says Rose. Plastic is especially prone to cracking, while aluminum often corrodes quickly.Kink-free, which most hoses claim to be. But any hose will kink if you leave it in a tangled pile instead of storing it neatly.
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