Garden hosepipes can be used for a multitude of tasks. Whether you’re a keen gardener whose plants and grass need a constant feed of water, or you like an easier way to clean the car/bike/dog, everyone can agree it is easier than trailing to the tap to fill up watering cans and buckets.
But there are literally hundreds to choose from, and this makes finding the one which is best for your needs difficult. To give you a bit of advice, we have compiled a buying guide and rounded up the picks of the best garden hoses this year.
The Best Hosepipes – Our Top Picks
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Best Hose Reels And Carts
A handy wall mounted design if you are after something fitted, so it is always there when you need it. The double layered material ensures that it never kinks when you wind it back up, so you aren’t going to have to face any blockages and have to do it all again. There is automatic locking ability, so you can stop it coming out further than it needs to in order to avoid a trip hazard or damaging your bedding plants. Just give it a sharp pull, and it will automatically wind back up when you’re done. A manual child lock also prevents misuse for an extra element of safety. The actual wall mount can rotate 180-degrees, which will make it easier to reach every part of your garden. When winter comes and it needs to be protected from the elements, the mount can be removed from the bracket and stored away in the shed or garage without you having to unscrew it and safely keep all the parts in one place. Integrated lock function prevents theft when it is properly fitted and kept outside. Talking of safe storage, there is a compartment on the side of the mount to keep all the bits and bobs together. It comes with the fittings needed to connect it to your tap too, so you’re good to go as soon as it is fitted to the wall. The price may seem extreme, but you do get a good quality hose and bracket which should probably never have to be replaced. If you struggle with the tedious unfolding and control of an ordinary hose, then this Hozelock will be a life changer A robust and durable cart hose which can be taken anywhere you need, without being tethered to a bracket or having to pull metres of pipe behind you. The reel design doesn’t just make it transportable but also helps to prevent any kinks and tears. You don’t need to unravel any more than you need, and when you’re done the one piece winding handle makes it simple to gather up again. It has a wide stance and is low-built, which makes it both very stable and easy to drag behind you. And, as it is built from high-quality plastic, it is hard wearing and weather-proof so even if it is stored outside and it gets a bit chilly, it will remain intact. To finish it off, there is a clip which holds the end of the pipe upright to keep it safe from damage and prevent any drips from excess water. Very user-friendly and easy to move around wherever you go If you want a reel hose which you can carry about as opposed to wheeling or it being fitted, this Gardena Classic Hose Reel is a steal. The sides are triangular with a low centre of gravity, which gives the reel great stability so that it does not tip over easily. There are five layers of material making up the hose, so it is both hard to bend and difficult to break to a leaking level. Reeling it back up is nice and easy and smooth operation. The handle allows the drum to be transported anywhere comfortably. Gardena is a top notch brand and this reel does not disappoint. The comfortable carrying handle, secure standing stability and ease of use make this a high-quality option for your gardening needs. Coming with all the fittings you need to get the hose going, this is an option which is perfect for anyone who wants no fuss. There is a bit of assembly required, but it doesn’t take long and is pretty self-explanatory. It isn’t the strongest overall hose set and it occasionally kinks and twists, but for under £30, if you just want something which makes watering the plants easier, then it is a good solution. Good price and while it isn't the strongest, it is still a good all-rounder which we'd be happy to have in our own gardenHozelock Auto Reel Hose
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Hozelock Assembled Hose Cart Hose
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GARDENA Classic Hose Reel
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Hozelock Compact Reel Hose
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Best Expanding Hosepipes
If you are searching for an extra-long expandable hosepipe, then the GroHoze is available in sizes up to 100ft, which is around 30m. This is 3x the size of its storage length. Solid brass fittings are in place to give the product durability and a quality feel, and they are rust-resistant. The pipe comes with a ten pattern spray gun, making it one of the best hosepipes for a multitude of tasks, from spraying the flowers with water to washing the car and even the dog. The Dual Inner Latex Tube Core helps to prevent the inner pipe bending or ripping, which should mean it stays leak-free. It balances the water pressure, so even when it is pushed to the limit, it won’t become weak. You get a 12 month warranty just in case anything does happen in the first year of use, so we think it is well worth a go. We would say that it is all such good quality that the likelihood of you having to use it is low, though Compatible with all standard tap and hose attachments, this hose comes with a standard tap adaptor to ensure you can get started straight away. It expands up to 3 times its storage length. Overall, it is 22.24m, but only 8m needs to be stored. When you’re done, it automatically contracts, so you don’t have to waste time winding it all up. If you already have a few spray guns or concentrated nozzles lying about, this XHose is compatible with the majority of standard fittings. A dual layer construction ensures it won’t leak or tear easily. It is still light and easy to handle however, so great for anybody who struggles with holding weight for a period. The cost is higher than with an ordinary hose, but it is worth the easy storage and flexibility. Easy to pop away when done and no bends or knots - ideal if you can’t manage an ordinary hosepipe Working without kinks or bends to ensure a continuous water flow, this pipe from Hozelock may be one of the more expensive expandable options out there, but the five-year warranty and lightweight construction make it a high-quality product. It expands 3x the original length, so it is easy to store in a small shed or keep safe in the garage. Guaranteed leak-free fittings ensure all of the water goes towards getting the task at hand done, and it is lightweight so can be transported all around your garden without a struggle. The durable outer layer is a UV stable, high-quality Polyester weave so it can cope with abrasion from rough terrain or high sunlight. An elastic, durable, natural rubber core with a smooth inner core ensures good water flow and reliably expands and contracts. Trustworthy and reliable to use, and we love the bright yellow design tooGroHoze Expandable Garden Hose
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XHose Expandable Hose
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Hozelock Superhoze Hosepipe
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Best Traditional Garden Hoses
Nice and light to handle even when in use, and supple while remaining robust, this is one of the better traditional hosepipes available. Super Tricoflex(TM) Technology reduces the risk of kinks and rips when comparing alongside other traditional models, and it is also 25% lighter than other hoses of the same length and diameter. Just as with other similar pipes, kinking does happen, but it doesn’t leave a permanent crease. It is weatherproof with UV and frost protection, so can be used in drastic temperatures and bright sunlight. The silky outer texture lets it glide over any garden surface, and it is also crush proof so shouldn’t become squashed in storage or in use. The guarantee will last 30 years, so if you’re after a hose which is going to last for life, then Hozelock have you covered. It is also suitable if you want to use it with a reel, and relatively easy to wind up. Hozelock’s flagship pipe, and it is no surprise. This is possibly the best traditional hosepipe you can buy and miles ahead of the rivals As the name suggests, this is a perfect hose if it is your first time using such a product or just need something simple, which does the job. It is made up of four layers, with braided reinforcement to reduce the likelihood of tears. Smooth inner tubing helps keep water flow consistent. There is UV and frost protection so that can be used in all weathers and you don’t have to worry too much about where it is stored either. It can safely be used in temperatures between -20°C up to 40°C. To round it off, you get a 10-year guarantee with the purchase, so if you are concerned about the fact that ordinary hoses aren’t the most reliable, you are covered if any issues do arise. We said that the likelihood of tears is low, but do be aware it is quite prone to kinking when not full of water (as most traditional hoses are). For under £20, it is a good answer to your gardening woes and should last if you take good care of it. But if you have more money to spend, you may want to opt for the Hozelock Ultimate, Ultraflex or UltramaxHozelock Ultimate Hose
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Hozelock Starter Hose
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Help and Resources
Garden Hose Buying Guide
Types
- Reel – They can come as either a freestanding model or wall mounted, so think which will be best for your needs before you buy.
- Cart – Like a reel, except they are usually longer and easier to move around as they are on wheels
- Expandable – Just like an ordinary traditional hosepipe, except it drastically reduces in size when not in use. This is great if you don’t have the space to keep a long hose, or if you don’t want to risk any kinks/breakages
- Traditional – A standard hosepipe. Often prone to breakages and bends, and can be hard to store, but good if you want something basic and cheap
Materials
- Rubber – Generally the strongest you can buy. They are less susceptible to bends and kinks as the material moves more freely with your demands and with the pressure of the water. Best for high-demand jobs and frequent use
- Vinyl – Cheaper, but can be more prone to bending and weakening. Good for occasional use or simple tasks such as watering the plants but won’t last for years
- Mixture – hosepipes made from a rubber and plastic combination are becoming increasingly popular. They’re stronger than a vinyl hose, yet more affordable than rubber
Lengths
Hoses usually go up in stages of 25m, but many manufacturers are now making models which are in between this.
The most common sizes are 25m, 30m and 50m but you’ll also be able to get 20m, 40m and even some expandable models which reach 100m.
You may think that the longer options are best, especially if you have a larger garden or it has to stretch quite a way, but longer hoses result in weaker water pressure as it has further to travel. But getting one which is too short could result in the material weakening if you put it under too much stretch. Always measure the distance between your water source and target areas and get a length which is near enough to this.
Connectors
You will need a connection fitting if you are attaching the pipe to your tap.
There are many available, depending on your tap style and the fitting of the hosepipe. Check measurements carefully, as well as the shape and style of your tap. They are available to buy online or in hardware stores.
Kinks
Bending, twisting and crushing are all issues which have plagued hosepipes over the years. Nowadays, many are being made which reduce the likelihood of these issues.
If a pipe promises to be kink-free, there is still the possibility it will bend, but the chance that this will create a permanent fold and weaken that area of the pipe is reduced.
Ply
This is the number of layers which a pipe is made up of. It can range from one to six generally, and the more layers, the stronger the pipe should be. But you also need to look at other factors such as the materials and storage method.
It is also worth bearing in mind that the fewer the plies, the lighter it will be. You may have to think about where the happy-medium will be.
FAQ’s
What Is The Best Hosepipe Brand?
All manufacturers make some pipes which are great, and others which are lacklustre, so it all depends on your requirements.
Some of the best names to look out for are Hozelock, Kärcher, Verve, GroHoze, Claber, Fitt and YoYo. We would always say that going for a branded name is better than some of the unbranded cheaper alternatives you may see online.
What Can I Use A Garden Hose For?
You could use a hose for anything which would otherwise require a watering can or pressure washer, such as watering plants and grass, washing the car, rinsing down muddy bikes or even washing water-tight windows and doors.
It could also come in handy if you ever need to wash the dog after a muddy walk, or fill up a paddling pool when the hot weather hits.
Should I Get a Garden Hose or Garden Sprinkler?
A garden hose is best for you to water in more concentrated areas, like individual flowers and plants. It also means you must be willing to water your plants manually. A garden sprinkler is best to cover a wide area, usually a lawn or grass field, and can be much easier since the coverage area is preset and can be automated. To learn more, check out our article of the best lawn sprinklers.
Can I Use Hot Water With A Hose?
It isn’t recommended, no. Most of the materials which hosepipes are made from aren’t great with high temperatures.
If you do need hot water, however, such as for washing the car, then look for a very strong industrial-style pipe.