A good hose is the most essential tool for a garden. Yet, having to carry or drag it to the garden and coiling it after each use can be a challenging task. But you know what, thanks to the modern technology, a new type of hose was invented to make gardening easier than before.
Choosing The Best Garden Expandable Hose
An expandable hose expands when with water and contracts when without water for easy storing.
The science behind expandable hoses is simple. When the hose interior is filled with water, it stretches all the way to the exterior shell. The hose then swells and water goes out of the hose to water your garden. Common lengths for expandable hoses are 25, 50, 75 and 100 feet.
Top 7 Best Expandable Hoses For Your Garden
How Expandable Hoses Work
How well the expandable hose expands and retracts depends on its design and materials. Each hose comes in this design construction:
- Inner Layer: often made of latex. When water pressure is applied, this layer expands. Latex expands to five times its original size.
- Outer Layer: made of expandable woven fabric which provides protection to the inner layer when it expands. At the same time, the fabric of the outer layer is pushed to create a functioning hose.
Although water pressure expands and lengthens the expandable hose, they can only handle water pressure to a limit. Most expandable hoses can handle up to 200 psi water pressure.
There is no worry that expandable hoses will burst due to high water pressure because on the average, water pressure in suburban areas is usually not over 80 psi. For areas with low water pressure, go for a shorter hose so water pressure available can expand the hose.
Expandable Hose Materials
To ensure the expandable hose expands well, the inner and outer layers should be made of the right materials.
Latex is the best material for the inner layer. Latex tubing per se is not extremely durable so when used it usually comes in 2 cores or 3 cores. To make the exterior portion of the latex hard, it is submerged in a like rubber material.
The latex tubing of the expandable hose should be made of 100% nature latex so it can contract and expand well throughout its life span.
A 3000 to 5000 denier count woven polyester fabric is the best material for the outer layer of expandable hoses. Woven polyester fabric with a high denier easily gets punctured or ripped.
Benefits Of Using Expandable Hoses
Expandable hoses are increasing in popularity with good reasons:
- Lightweight. Since this type of hose expands only when filled with water, it is compact and lightweight. Children and seniors can carry this hose easily because they are lighter than a traditional garden hose.
- Kink and Tangle-free. Since they are flat when contracted, they are flexible and will not twist when held.
- Drains Automatically. When water pressure no longer enters the inner layer of the expandable hose or the latex material, the hose will automatically drain out all water inside and return to its original size.
- Easy to Store. Once contracted, expandable hose are small and compact making them easy to store. It can be stored even in a small space. It can even fit inside a small bucket.
- Budget Friendly. Although expandable hoses are cheaper than regular rubber hoses, they are able to perform the same task: watering your garden and plants. They are cheaper because latex (inner layer) and woven polyester fabric (outer layer) are cheaper than rubber.
Expandable hoses provide a lot of benefits for users who require light watering of their gardens and plants.
Picking The Best Expandable Hose For Your Garden
Choosing the best expandable hose can be a tricky task. Here are what you need to look for to ensure the best one for your money.
- Check for High Quality Materials. Check that the inner layer of the expandable hose is of 100% nature latex and not synthetic latex. Also check the denier count of the polyester fabric, which is not more than between 3000 to 5000.
- Check for the Right Length. Bear in mind that the number of feet of the hose indicated in the package is the expanded length of the hose. If the package says, 50 feet, the collapsed length is only about 15 feet. Expandable hoses are often available in 25, 50, 75 and 100 feet.
- Check for Solid Brass Fittings. Fittings of expandable hoses are different from those of rubber hoses. You need to, therefore, check that they have solid brass connectors and shut-off valves. Brass is rust proof so toxins can’t contaminate the water flow.
- Check whether it includes a Hose Nozzle or not. Most expandable hoses come with free nozzles, hooks and carry bags. Some nozzles are built-in. Most free nozzles are not durable though, check if it comes free with the unit.
- Check for a Warranty. Most expandable hoses come with a 12 month warranty. Carefully check what the warranty offered so you count on it in case the expandable hose breaks. If the desired hose does not come with a warranty, you should consider carefully.
Extending The Life Of Expandable Hoses
To be honest, an expandable hose is not as durable as a regular rubber hose. You need to remember that it should be made of thinner materials to allow its expansion. With that said, it is important that you properly take care of it to ensure more years of use.
- Expandable hoses are easy to store so store them correctly. Leaving an expandable hose lying in the garden will expose it to the sun which may cause some damage. Avoid leaving the hose in the garden in the freezing winter. Most expandable hoses come with storage hooks so hang the hose after you are done using it. You may also opt to store it in a storage keepers for flexible hoses.
- Avoid dragging the expandable hose by the sprayer. If it gets caught on anything, avoid jerking it. Also don’t place too much stress on the part where the connectors and hose meet. Doing these things may cause damage to the expandable hose.
- Avoid using high water pressure on your expandable hose for long periods of time. This will shorten the lifespan of the hose.
While expandable hoses provide a lot of benefits, they can be delicate. It is important then to use and store them the right way.
Top 7 Garden Expandable Hose Reviews
Hospaip 50ft Expandable Water Hose With Metal 8 Function Spray Nozzle
Via amazon.com
This all new 2017 expandable garden hose from Hospaip expands from its original 17 feet long to 50 feet. It comes with a double latex material inner layer with extra strength which makes it leak free. It is highly flexible allowing you to pull it all over the garden even when full of water.
Features
- Contracts to its original length fastly when water is shut-off
- Made from high quality double latex inner tubing makes it durable and leak-proof
- Made from 3750D polyester fabric outer layer for the protection of the inner tubing while allowing the hose to expand
- Includes a metal nozzle with 8 spray patterns.
- Features a rotating bezel for easy water spraying
- Includes ¾ inch diameter fittings in solid brass
- Can withstand 3-12 bar water pressure.
- Features a control knob for easy shifting of water pressure
- Lightweight and compact making it easy to carry.
- Comes with a free carrying bag for easy and damage-free storing in winter.
What We Liked
- Made from high quality materials to ensure long years of use.
- Comes with a carrying bag for easy storage
- Free nozzle with 8 patterns for various watering needs.
What We Didn't Liked
- There are complaints that this hose does not expand to its full 50 feet even when filled with water.
This expandable hose is not only for watering your garden and plants. You can also use it to clean your car, patio or bathe your dog.
GrowGreen Expandable Garden Hose 100 Feet with 8 Spray Pattern
Via amazon.com
The GrowGreen ALL NEW 2017 100 feet Expandable Hose comes with a triple Latex layer and an extremely durable outer layer fabric for protection. This expandable hose which was newly designed for 2017 features more durable materials and brass connectors. It also comes with an 8-spray water pattern.
Features
- Lightweight design
- Original length is 33 feet and expands to 100 feet when filled with water.
- Comes with durable brass connectors
- Comes with a spray nozzle featuring 8 adjustable water pattern
- Safe from bursts, breaks or leaks when operated under regular water pressure.
- Kink free and tangle free design.
- Highly corrosion resistant
- Easy to handle and to store.
- Comes with a 12-month warranty
What We Liked
- Extremely lightweight
- Has 8 spray nozzle modes
- Extremely flexible
- Easy to store
- Budget-friendly
- 12 month warranty against manufacturing defects
What We Didn't Liked
- Inferior spray nozzle
- Low water stream when hose is fully expanded
- This 100 feet Grow Green new version for 2017 is ideal for light to average sized gardens.
LawnTEC LawnPRO 50' Expanding Garden Hose
Via amazon.com
This LawnPro expandable garden hose from LawnTEC comes with a durable5000 denier woven polyester outer layer. It features steel clamps and copper fittings It comes with a storage bag for safe storing and a 12 month manufacturer’s warranty as well.
Features
- Original size of 20 feet and expands to 50 feet when filled with water
- Durable and seam-free 500 denier woven polyester outer layer
- Kink-free feature
- Features removable copper fittings which come in the standard ¾ inch.
- Features steel clamps
- Portable at 2.3 pounds
- Low price with good quality
- 12 months warranty against manufacturing defects
- Two expandable hoses can be connected for a longer length
What We Liked
- Lightweight
- Seamless outer layer makes the hose leak-free
- Copper fittings are removable because they are replaceable
- Easy to storage as the original size is only 20 feet
- 12 month warranty against defects
- Includes a storage case
What We Didn't Liked
- Sometime expandable hose does not expand too well.
- Tends to leak at the connectors
Many users say this is the strongest hose in the market.
EZfull 50ft Water Hose Expandable Garden Hose with 10 Function Spray Nozzle
Via amazon.com
The EZfull expandable hose has an original size of 17 feet, expands to 50 feet when filled with water and reverts back to 17 feet after water is drained. It is lightweight and easy to store with the accompanying storage bag.
Features
- Expands when filled with water to 50 feet and shrinks to 17 feet when without water (self-draining)
- Comes with rubber washers and solid ¾ inch brass fittings which will not easily leak, crack or break
- Features shut off brass for less trips to the faucet.
- Comes with 10 adjustable nozzle spray modes
- Corrosion resistant garden hose
- Features a double 100% natural latex inner tubing and extra strength woven polyester outer layer for easy expanding of the hose
- Includes a nozzle with 10 spray modes
- Water pressure of 3-6 bars (40-85 PSI)
- Light weight for portability
What We Liked
- Portable and lightweight at 2.80 pounds
- Drains itself after use
- 5 times lighter than regular rubber hose
- Does not kink, twist or tangle
- Powerful sprayer making it ideal to clean a boat
- Does not require so much storage space
- Includes car washing accessories
What We Didn't Liked
- Not too durable inner tubing
- This EZfull expandable hose is easy to use even with extreme weathers. It requires little storage space and retains its form even after months of use.
GreenTEC USA100 ft Hose - Expandable Garden Hose with 9-Pattern Spray Nozzle
Via amazon.com
This 100 feet expandable hose from GreenTEC comes with a nozzle featuring 9 spray patterns. It stores at 33 feet and expands to 100 feet when filled with water. This 3-piece set includes an expandable hose, nozzle spray and a storage bag. It is tangle and kink-free making it a hassle-free tool to water your lawn and plants.
Features
- 33 feet when collapsed and 100 feet when expanded
- Features a latex interior in 3 layers
- Comes with brass fittings with valve
- Tangle and kink free hose
- Includes a spray nozzle with 9 patterns
- Comes with a storage bag
- Comes with a 12 month warranty
What We Liked
- Comes with a storage bag for convenient and easy storing
- Light and easy to maneuver
- Great working nozzle
- Ideal for watering lawns and plants as well as cleaning cars and boats
What We Didn't Liked
- Water stream is not too strong
This 100 feet expandable hose is so versatile and convenient allowing fast and efficient watering of lawns and plants.
GLOUE 75FT Garden Hose
Via amazon.com
This 75 feet expandable hose from Gloue features with a 100% natural latex inner tubing and an extra strong woven polyester fabric outer tubing. It comes with solid brass fittings, with sealing rings and an extra quick connector that is portable.
Features
- Made from a 2-layer 100% natural latex inner tubing that can withstand high water pressure and woven polyester outer tubing for a long lifespan
- Kink-free hose
- Comes with durable solid brass fittings which will not leak
- Compatible with most water nozzles in the market
- Expands to 3x times its original size when filled with water
- Capable of expanding and contracting for more than 5,000 times
- Features anti-freezing technology
- Lightweight at only 3.85 pounds
- Ideal for watering lawns and plants as well as cleaning cars
- Environment friendly
- Includes a storage bag for portability and easy storage
What We Liked
- Compact and lightweight
- Solid brass ends will not rust
- Comes with a free additional connector
- Comes with a hanger for easy and neat coiling of the expandable hose
- Includes a storage bag for winter storage
- Does not require too much storage space
What We Didn't Liked
- Inferior quality hose connection
Many users say this GLOUE expandable hose comes with materials that are more durable than most expandable hoses in the market. It is also easier to handle than traditional rubber hoses.
TruTec Newest 75 Foot Expandable Garden Hose
Via amazon.com
This TruTec expandable hose is 75 feet long when filled with water. It features a 3-layer inner tubing and a 48 ply-woven polyester fabric outer layer. It comes with an adjustable nozzle with 8 patterns and a stainless steel holder (patent pending) to keep the hose neat and tidy.
Features
- Features a 3-layer 100% natural latex inner tubing to prevent bursting when filled with water
- Features a durable and seamless woven polyester outer tubing which will not split when filled with water
- Solid corrosion resistant brass fittings and shut off valve which are rust proof and leak-free.
- 3/4 inch fittings are compatible with all standard sized spigots in the market
- Designed to be kink and tangle-free
- Hose is 25 feet when without water and expands to 75 feet when filled with water.
- Comes with hose holder (patent pending) made from stainless steel to hold adjustable nozzle and makes sure the hose is not dragged on the ground
- Nozzle features 8 adjustable spray patterns (rinse, jet, soaker, cone, flat, center, mist and shower)
- Includes a shut off valve so this hose can be used with a sprinkler system
- Compatible with all standard sized spray nozzles as well as other hoses and sprinklers
- Includes 2 extra rubber washers to avoid leakages
- Includes a duffel bag for easy storage
- Grip is firm and comfortable with the hose’s ergonomically designed TPR handle.
What We Liked
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to thread leak proof nozzle
- Does not twist or kink
What We Didn't Liked
- Delicate thus not intended for heavy duty use
- Hose prone to leaking
- Manufacturer included a water pressure restriction which relegates the amount of water to almost a drip.
This expandable hose from TruTec is lightweight but strong and durable.. It is designed to prevent kinks and tangles.
Conclusion
The market for expandable hoses is gaining recognition. It has become an option for many consumers because of the combination of latex and woven polyester tubing.
It should always be remembered though that expandable hoses are not as durable as their traditional rubber counterparts. As such they should not be allowed to stay under the heat of the sun as well as freezing temperatures. Besides, expandable hoses are a good alternative to traditional rubber hoses as they can save you more energy and time.
Best Expandable Hose - Winner
Any of the seven expandable hoses listed above will make a good choice. The Hospaip Expandable Water Hose (50 feet) though stands out as the best expandable hose.
This guy from Hospaip is 50 feet long and comes with a double latex inner layer and a durable 3750D woven polyester fabric outer layer for tear and leak resistance. Above all, it comes with a control knob so you can control water pressure. It is a fact that while water expands the hose, too much water pressure can damage it.
Via amazon.com
Whether you are looking for a highly functional hose to water your garden and plants or just sick and tired of dealing with heavy hoses, an expandable hose is something you should never do without.
