Having a good quality Hose to use around my yard has been one of my top priorities when it comes to keeping up with the gardening. I used to hate it when my hoses sprung a leak, or when it got all kinked up.
Inevitably I would always find my traditional garden hose to be cumbersome and problematic. I finally got around to purchasing one of the new Expandable garden hoses and I have been very excited about how much easier they are to use. It is more flexible, easier to tote around, and overall just makes doing all my outside chores more pleasant. If you haven’t yet tried one of these hoses, I highly suggest you give it a go.
I did lots of research before purchasing my new Expandable Hose, so I decided to put it all together in one spot and share it. The first generation of expandable hoses were found to have a few problems. Luckily the newest hoses to be released have addressed many of these problems, and the expandable hoses are improving considerably.
Namely, the old plastic endings are being replaced by brass connectors for much needed and added durability. The hoses are also being made stronger and to last longer. There are just so many to chose from, so I have stuck to the best reviewed hoses that I could find. Hopefully the following top ten list will be helpful when you are trying to decide which expandable hose will work for you.
And while you are out doing all that yard work, if you happen to notice an ant infestation, check out the best ant killer baits.
(P.S. If you aren’t sure what to look for in an expandable hose, check out my buyer’s guide at the end of this article.)
Tips for Taking Care of an Expandable Hose
When it comes to expandable hoses it is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely in order to extend the life of the hose. They do have to be cared for differently than a traditional garden hose. The following helpful tips may help to ensure your expandable hose is kept in the possible condition:
- Stretch the hose to its full length and turn the valve to the off position before turning the water on. Allow the hose to fill with water before using. This will reduce the wear on the inner tubing.
- Remember to keep the hose away from sharp objects, thorns, sticks, gravel or any other objects that could potentially penetrate the outer fabric and cause a hole. Expandable hoses are generally made with latex cores and nylon or polyester fabric.
- It is also important to make sure the hose is not left at full pressure when you are finished using it. Allow the hose to drain and return to its original length.
- Store the hose in a place to protect it from extreme temperatures and UV damage to keep it in good condition.
- Do not pull hard on the hose to make it expand. Allow the water pressure to fill and expand hose.
- Expandable hoses should not used as a source for drinking water.
Top Ten Expandable Hoses of 2018
Brand Name | Length | Nozzle | Material | Buy Now |
---|---|---|---|---|
GrowGreen Heavy Duty Expandable Hose | 25 ft, 50 ft., 75 ft. or 100 ft. | 8- pattern Spray Nozzle | Latex Core, Brass connectors | Check Price |
50 ft. or 100 ft | 9 way spray nozzle | Triple Latex Core, Nylon, Brass Connectors | Check Price | |
VicTsing Expanding Hose | 50 ft. | Does not come with attachable nozzle | Double Latex Core | Check Price |
Grow Green 2017 Expandable Garden Hose | available in 25ft, 50 ft, 75 ft and 100 ft. | 8 pattern spray nozzle | Latex inner tube, Brass connectors | Check Price |
Innav8 Premium Expanding Water Hose | 25 ft | No spray nozzle | 2 layer latex core, brass connectors, braided polysester outer fabric | Check Price |
Gardenirvana expandable hose | 50ft | 7 pattern spray nozzle | Triple layer latex core, Brass connectors | Check Price |
FitLife Expandable Hose | 25ft or 75 ft | 8 pattern spray nozzle | Triple layer latex core, Brass fittings | Check Price |
Xpandahose by J&B Lawn | 75 ft | 9 pattern spray nozzle | Latex core, Brass ends | Check Price |
ProGreen Inc. Expandable Garden Hose | 50 ft., 75 ft., or 100 ft. | 8 pattern spray nozzle | Rubber inner core, nickle plated brass endings, nylon webbing | Check Price |
LawnPRO Expanding Garden Hose by LawnTEC | 50 ft | none | Copper fittings, Steel clasps | Check Price |
GrowGreen Heavy Duty Expandable Hose Review
Made flexible and durable this is one of the best and most frequently reviewed expandable hoses available. This hose does not tangle, kink, or twist and is lightweight making all those outdoor garden chores easier and more enjoyable. The connectors are made of solid brass and the hose comes equipped with a built-in shutoff valve. The 50 foot version starts out at 17 feet and expands to its full length of 50 ft. when the water is turned on. It will quickly return to its original length when the water is turned off. Furthermore this hose weighs less than 2 lbs when it is empty. The short length and light weight make it very easy to carry around or store.
This hose does come with a standard 8 function spray nozzle which works okay for light to moderate use. However if you will be using this hose frequently and for medium to heavy use, you may want to consider purchasing a separate, stronger nozzle.
This hose is available in lengths of 25 ft., 50 ft., 75 ft., and 100 ft.
- Heavy Duty
- Includes an 8 function sprayer nozzle
- Easy to store
- 12 month warranty for manufacturer defects
- Lightweight
- Poor quality spray nozzle that comes with hose.
2017 Expandable Garden Hose by GrowGreen Review
This is GrowGreen’s newly designed expandable garden hose for 2017. This newer version of the GrowGreen garden hose has included sturdier brass connectors, triple layer latex core, and stronger polyester outer fabric. This garden hose has been designed to be safe at average water pressure to prevent bursts, leaks or breaks.
This version of GrowGreen’s expandable hose is less expensive than the heavy duty model. It is a good choice for someone looking for a good quality hose for average to light garden use with a easy on the budget price tag.
This hose is very lightweight, easy to store and can be handled with ease. When the water pressure is turned off the hose will return to its original length for storage. The standard 50 ft. version of this hose starts at 17 ft, and will expand up to 50 ft. with water pressure, and then return to a 17 ft length within seconds of water pressure being turned off.
This hose is available in lengths of 25 ft., 50 ft., 75 ft., and 100 feet.
- Very lightweight
- Includes an 8 function sprayer nozzle
- Flexible and easy to store
- 12 month warranty for manufacturer defects
- Some complaints about water stream flow when expanded to full length
- Sprayer nozzle that comes with hose is just ok/ consider purchasing a stronger spray nozzle
KONA 50′ Heavy Duty Expandable Garden Water Hose Review
This expandable hose made by Kona is made to be durable. It has a a triple layer latex core and tough nylon outer covering to protect itself. This hose will not kink, or twist. It is flexible, lightweight and stores very easily. Without water the hose weighs about 2.5 pounds.
Expandable hoses are great options for people who can no longer tote around heavier and bulkier traditional garden hoses. With proper care they can last for several months to several years.
This hose comes with a 9 way spray nozzle. It expands to 50 ft with 58 PSI of water pressure.
- Very Strong and durable
- Triple layer latex core and Nylon outer covering
- Comes with a 9 way spray nozzle
- Has a 12 month warranty
- Care should be taken to keep this hose in good condition
VicTsing 50ft Expanding Hose Review
The VicTsing expanding hose claims to be the strongest available expanding hose. While many other companies also make this claim, the VicTsing does appear to be very durable and perhaps may even deserve this praise. This is a powerful, lightweight, portable and strong hose with a good price tag. The value on this expandable hose is terrific.
This hose is currently one of the bestsellers of expandable hoses on Amazon, and retains a 4 star rating. It will expand up to three times its lenth with water pressure and reaches a total of 50 ft in length. It has been designed to withstand tempuratures in a range of -5°C to 98°C.
This hose is one of the few expandable hoses that does not come with an atachable spray nozzle, but I did not find that to be problematic. The spray nozzles that frequently are included with hoses tend to be poorer quality and I prefer to purchase a heavy duty nozzle to use.
- Light and portable considering its size
- Optimal 50ft length
- Strong brass connectors
- Good value
- Very strong and durable
- Amazon bestseller
- Several reviews claim that this hose does not reach full 50 ft. when expanded
Innav8 Expanding Water Hose 25′ Review
This hose expands three times it size when filled with water to reach 25 ft in length. When drained it only weighs about one and a half pounds, making very lightweight and easy to store. The Innav8 has a double latex inner core which expands well with water pressure. It also has a tough outer weaved layer for protection.
With good customer reviews and quality materials, this expandable hose is one of my top picks. Many reviewers claim this hose works as advertised, and most give it 5 stars.
It looks like the company offers a 60 day money back guarantee as well as a 12 month warranty, which is a good deal in expandable hoses.
- 60 day money back guarantee/ 12 month warranty for manufacturer defects
- Brass fittings
- 2 layer/2mm thick Latex inner tube
- Tough outer material
- Some complaints that hose does not reach 25 ft when expanded
- Does not come with spray nozzle
Check Price Here @ Amazon
Gardenirvana 50′ Expandable Garden Hose Review
This triple layer latex inner core expandable hose is made strong. With all benefits of a flexible and easy to store expandable hose, this garden hose also has plenty of new design features to make it durable and tough. Quality materials, tough outer layer, a strong inner latex tube, and brass connectors make this one of the best available expandable hoses. This hose starts at 17 ft. and expands up to 50 ft with proper water pressure.
Another great benefit of purchasing this hose is that comes bundled with a spray nozzle, hanger, splitter and storage bag. No need to purchase all of these things separately. The company also offers a 12 month warranty.
- Triple layer natural latex inner tube
- Brass connectors
- Tough outer material
- Comes with spray nozzle, hanger, splitter and storage bag
- 12 month warranty
- Spray nozzle could be better quality
FitLife Expandable Garden Hose Review
Another option for a strong and long lasting expandable garden hose is this version by TheFitLife. This hose has a triple layer latex core and a tough elastic outer fiber material to keep it strong and durable. This very flexible hose is easy to use and store.
With its triple layer core, the 25 ft. version of this hose only weighs 1.8 lbs and the 75 ft version weighs 3.6 lbs. While these are incredible lightweight for garden hoses, they do weigh slightly more than some of other expandable hoses that I have reviewed. However when you consider that the extra weight is coming from a triple layer inner core and durable outer layer, this very slight weight increase is no big deal and reasonable.
The hose will start at only 9 feet long ans expand to 25 ft with water pressure. (The 75 ft version starts at a 25 ft. length.)
- Outer layer is made with strong 5000D high quality fabric
- Triple layer latex inner tubing
- Solid Brass connectors
- Flexible and easy to store
- Some complaints that hose will not stretch to full length
- Could be a better quality spray nozzle
XpandaHose Expandable Garden Hose Review
- 45 day money back guarantee
- Expands up to 75 ft. with water pressure
- Brass connectors
- Latex core
- Comes with 9 setting spray nozzle
- Lightweight
- Some complaints of leaking over time
- Some reviews say it does not last long in good condition
Pro Green Inc. Expandable Garden Hose Review
- Nylon webbing outer layer
- 3 month extended warranty
- Available in lengths of 50ft., 75 ft., and 100 ft.
- Some customers have complained about leaks
- May not hold up for a long lifespan
LawnPRO 50’ Expanding Garden Hose Review
The LawnPro expandable garden hose stands out with excellent reviews as well as a low price for good quality expandable hoses. It is currently an Amazon bestseller, and has many features that make it unique.
- Company offers 12 month warranty
- Very lightweight
- Easy to store
- Seamless fabric cover to prevent leaks
- Removable/replaceable copper fittings
- Amazon bestseller
- Some complaints of leaking from the connectors
- Some complaints about poor expanding
Expandable Hose Buying Guide
There are a lot of benefits to owning an expandable hose. They are more lightweight, flexible, and easier to carry around and store. Happily the next generation of expandable hoses are being made stronger than the first generation, which had a lot of problems with leaks, bursts and breaking connectors. These new expandable hoses have made doing outdoor chores a lot easier and enjoyable. If you are not sure what to look for when purchasing a new expandable garden hose, read on in the following guide to answer some questions you may have.
What is an Expandable Hose?
Expandable hoses have been made to be a lighter and more flexible option in garden hoses. Generally they are able to expand three times their size when filled with water to capacity. They then can retract to their original size when water pressure is off.
Expandable hoses address the issues of kinking, twisting and tangling that often occurs in typical garden hoses. They are usually made with latex cores and covered with a nylon or polyester cover. This makes the gardens hoses more flexible and lighter and self-draining. Expandable hoses can be up to five times lighter than its traditional garden hose counterpart making them easy to store and tote around.
How Does an Expandable Hose Work?
When you first use your expandable hose, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in using and caring for your new hose. To properly use your hose, it must be stretched out with the water valve in the off position, before the water is turned on. When the water is turned on, the inner tube of hose will fill with water expanding the hose to its full length. After the hose has been filled, you can then turn the valve to the on position and use the hose like a typical garden hose. Following the manufacturer’s instructions is important to maintaining a good condition for your hose.
What Size Hose Should I Get?
The standard size for a garden hose is 50 ft. Based on your individual needs you can find hoses that run much longer or shorter than this. When purchasing an expandable hose, its important to remember that hoses can get up to three times their non-filled length. So a 17 ft. hose will expand to 50 ft. It is common to find expandable hoses in full lengths of 25 ft., 50 ft., 75 ft., and 100 ft. It is even possible to find hoses in lengths above this.
For best results you should purchase a hose that meets your needs without going too far over in length. If you only need 50 ft. there is no need to buy a 100 ft hose. In fact keeping the hose shorter will help keep better water pressure when in use.
How Do I Keep My Expandable Hose in Good Condition?
When it comes to expandable hoses it is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely in order to extend the life of the hose. They do have to be cared for differently than a traditional garden hose. The following helpful tips may help to ensure your expandable hose is kept in the possible condition:
- Stretch the hose to its full length and turn the valve to the off position before turning the water on. Allow the hose to fill with water before using. This will reduce the wear on the inner tubing.
- Remember to keep the hose away from sharp objects, thorns, sticks, gravel or any other objects that could potentially penetrate the outer fabric and cause a hole. Expandable hoses are generally made with latex cores and nylon or polyester fabric.
- It is also important to make sure the hose is not left at full pressure when you are finished using it. Use the nozzle to drain the hose and allow the water to completely drain so the hose can return to its original length.
- Store the hose in a place to protect it from extreme temperatures and UV damage to keep it in good condition.
- Do not pull hard on the hose to make it expand. Allow the water pressure to fill and expand hose.
- Expandable hoses should not used as a source for drinking water.
Tips for Purchasing a Expandable Hose
Some of the most common complaints about expandable hoses are a shorter than average lifespan, leaks, and bursts. Keep the following tips in mind when purchasing an panhandle hose.
How long will an expandable hose last?
The lifespan of an expandable hose can be as short as just a few weeks to as long as a few years. If you want a garden hose that lasts a long time, look for good quality materials as well as a reputable manufacturer.
What to look for when purchasing an expandable hose
Be sure to do your research before purchasing an expandable hose. There are many hoses available and not all are durable or have a good longevity.
Materials
The inner tubes of expandable hoses are usually made from TPU or Latex. Do not expect a hose made from TPU to last very long. Latex is more durable material, that gives a longer lifespan to the hose. Some companies have 2 or even 3 layers of latex to their inner tubes.
Another thing to look for is the quality of the material used for the casing. The outer material is often made from nylon or Polyester. Look for a strong outer material to protect your hose as much as possible from leaks and breaks.
Lastly, the connectors can made with plastic or brass. Plastic connectors are known to break easier as well as be more fragile. A much more durable and stronger option is a hose that comes with brass connectors.
Water Pressure
Check the guidelines on the PSI that the hose can handle. While most hoses are made to withstand standard home water pressure, some have been designed to be even stronger. It is best not to continually use the maximum water pressure allowed. Using water pressure below the maximum will allow the hose to last longer. Using a stronger water pressure than the hose can withstand is the quickest way to destroy an expanding garden hose.
Internal Water Diameter
The water flow that you will receive is in direct relationship to the internal diameter of the hose. Typically garden hoses have an internal diameter of 3/4″, 1/2″, and 5/8″. The larger the diatmeter, the more the water flow. 5/8 inch is a good diameter to aim for, when looking at average water flow. When purchasing an expandable hose, look for the internal diameter when hose is fully expanded to give a good idea of what the water flow will be like.
Price
The prices on expandable hoses varies greatly. High quality expandable hoses are likely to have a higher price tag, but are often worth it. The cheaper made as well as cheaper priced hoses frequently come with a lot of headaches. They, however, have shorter lifespans, and are prone to breaks, tears, and leaks.
Warranties
Look for hoses that come with warranties to protect from any defects. Generally, a warranty that is good for up to three month is a good deal.
The Final Say
There are many reasons to purchase an expandable hose. Whether you are looking for something to make outdoor chores more enjoyable or if you are having problems lugging around your old heavy and bulky garden hose an expandable hose may be the right fit for you. If you have decided to give this type of hose a try, there are many different options and considerations to keep in mind before making your final purchase. Doing your research goes a long way into finding the right hose.