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Garden hoses are fast becoming a must-have for many homes – which explains why you’re looking for one. There are different types of garden hoses in the market but for the purpose of this article, we’ll focus on the expandable ones.
So if you’ve ever wanted to know who makes the best expandable garden hose, then this article is for you.
We tested several expandable garden hoses based on a variety of factors including build quality, price, materials, and length. And in the lines below, we shared our thoughts on them.
#1. Best Expandable Garden Hose – Upgraded 2019 Pro 50 Ft Expandable Garden Hose
For an expandable garden hose, a length of 50ft is enough for most small and medium-sized yards. The Upgraded 2019 Pro Garden Hose is all shades of what you want in an expandable garden hose.
It’s lightweight, sports a 4-latex layer inner core, and is covered in a 3750D tough fabric material. And it’s darn affordable.
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#2. Best Lightweight Expandable Garden Hose – Monyar Garden Hose Expandable
Although expandable garden hoses aren’t known to be heavy, there are some of them that are very lightweight.
The Monyar Garden hose whose original length is 33ft can expand to 100 ft. and still, remain lightweight.
Backed by a double latex layer core and a 3750D outer fabric, it’s built to last and its cost is paltry.
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Choosing The Right Expandable Garden Hose
How can you tell if the expandable garden hose you have your eyes on is right for you? What are the things you need to look out for when shopping for one given the fact that there are many expandable garden hoses on the market?
Let’s find out.
Hose Fittings
Brass, plastic, and aluminum are three common materials used for making hose fittings.
However, most of the best hose fittings on the market are made of brass. Brass is useful given its durability and the fact that it can withstand rust nor will it get dented easily.
Aluminum, on the other hand, is a much lighter element. That explains why a hose with an aluminum fitting is lighter than one with brass fitting.
In addition to that, hoses with aluminum fittings tend to be less expensive like their plastic counterparts. Aluminum fittings are also durable and some brands make good ones.
As for the plastic fittings, they are nothing to write home about as durability isn’t part of their raw material.
Materials
Expandable garden hoses are made from different materials like TPC core and multiple layers of latex.
TPC refers to Thermoplastic Co-polyester. It is a type of heat resistant material that is used for manufacturing industrial tubing. The TPC has three main characteristics that make it useful for producing expandable garden hoses.
First, it’s durable – durability is a key factor for choosing garden hoses. Secondly, it’s useful for heavy-duty items. And lastly, it’s expandable.
But TPC hoses are a tad expensive – this explains why they are a bit hard to come by compared to the latex hoses.
As we mentioned earlier, Latex is also a useful raw material for manufacturing expandable garden hoses. It shares some similarities with TPC – it’s elastic, durable and heavy-duty. Again, latex can be gotten naturally or synthesized.
Since the raw material is readily available and can be synthesized in the lab, latex hoses are therefore not as expensive as their counterparts. Latex hoses often have more than one layer.
The more the number of layers, the better the hose is at withstanding high pressures.
Both latex and TPC hoses are great. However, if you have concerns and you want something natural, a latex hose will be just fine.
Most manufacturers indicate whether their hoses are made from natural or synthetic materials.
Aside from latex and TPC, there’s another important material worth mentioning. It’s used in making the protective shell for the hose. A protective shell protects the inner parts of the hose from damage due to exposure to the elements.
Since nylon and woven polyester shares similar features with latex and TPC, they are often used to make protective shells for expandable garden hoses.
Water Pressure
Expandable garden hoses can withstand a great deal of water pressure.
Hoses that are thicker or have multiple layers can withstand more water pressure when compared to hoses that are less thick.
Length
Hose length is another important factor you should consider when shopping for an expandable garden hose. Most of the hoses in the market come in multiples of 25 feet length-wise.
So you’ll find them measuring 25, 50, 75, 100ft, etc.
You should take note of the size of your yard and be sure that the hose you’re buying will cover at least a quarter of the property. Remember that they are expandable.
For instance, a 25ft dry garden when filled with water can expand to up to 75 ft.
Storage
Storing a garden hose is important for the longevity of that hose. Most homeowners leave their hose on the lawn for long periods exposing it to unfriendly weather elements.
Getting a hose storage hook for your expandable garden hose is a great way to keep things tidy. You can set up the hose reel in the backyard, in the garage, or in the store.
The storage location doesn’t matter as long as it’s a place where the elements won’t have a field day dealing with the hose.
Will you use the hose with a sprinkler or a spray nozzle?
This is all up to you. If you decide to use it with a sprinkler, then bear in mind that the hose may drag your sprinkler along with it when you turn off the water.
There’s not a problem if the dragging occurs on the lawn. But what if it the sprinkler gets dragged through your flower beds?
This is where the shut off valve becomes necessary. However, we suggest using a traditional hose with a sprinkler head as they won’t retract when the water is shut off.
As for spray nozzles, they work just fine with the expandable hose and they won’t be damaged easily.
Durability
Most expandable garden hoses will last only a couple of years if you don’t store them properly and they are exposed to the weather elements. With proper storage, you can use the hose for longer periods.
Durability is also determined by the material used in making the hose.
Optimal Temperature
Some hoses are designed to work under certain temperature conditions. While it’s okay to use the hose outside the given temperature rating, this can significantly impact on the life of the hose.
It surely won’t hurt to take note of the temperature rating of the expandable hose you’re about to purchase and see if it’s suitable for your environment.
Expandable Garden Hose Reviews
We reviewed less than a dozen of the finest expandable garden hoses on the market. You’ll find hoses of different lengths and number of layers.
In addition to that, they are lightweight and most of them have brass fittings and either zinc or aluminum spray nozzles.
We do hope you’ll find one that fits your personal needs without causing you to break the bank.
#1. Best Expandable Garden Hose – Upgraded 2019 Expandable Garden Water Hose
Outer Material: 3750D fabric
Length: 17ft (expands to 50 ft.)
Latex Cores: 4 layers
Features: Tough outer fabric material protects the hose, its 17ft long, expands up to 50ft, lightweight, has 4 latex cores.
The Upgraded 2019 expandable garden hose is our top pick for the best expandable garden hose. Measuring about 17ft long, this high-quality hose can expand to anywhere between 30ft and 50ft when it’s in use.
Cool! That’s probably what your 6-year-old son will be saying when he sees the hose expand for the first time.
The hose features a 4-layer latex core and there’s no doubt it’s going to last for long. Outside, it’s covered by a 3750D fabric material. When you talk about tough fabric materials, the 3750D is definitely worth a mention.
Given its design and the type of materials used, this hose won’t kink, at least not for the first half of its life span. This, however, doesn’t permit you or anyone to step on the hose when it’s in use
The hose comes with its own storage bag – comes in handy when you think of storage after use. In addition to that, you also get an 8-pattern spray nozzle and three sealing rings for your hose in the event the one it comes with wears out.
We love the spray nozzle it comes with, and by the way, the nozzle is made from aluminum while the connectors on the hose are made of brass.
Like we mentioned in the buying guide section above, it’s not advisable to leave your hose outside to be dealt with by the ever-changing weather.
For proper functioning of the hose, the hose should be stored in a properly ventilated place after each use. Secondly, it shouldn’t be stepped on when in use.
And most importantly, the temperature should be around 410F and 1130F while the water pressure should be between 3 – 12 Bars. Any slight increase beyond the stated water pressure will cause the hose to explode
Any reservations about the hose?
The hose can’t be attached to a lawn sprinkler and in addition to that, it hardly extends to the 50ft advertised. Other than that, it’s a nice hose.
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50ft Expandable Garden Hoses
In this section of the article, we reviewed three 50ft expandable garden hoses which we think are the best in that category. We hope you’ll find their reviews helpful in making a buying decision.
#2. Best For RV Owners – Elk & Bear Expandable Garden Hose
Outer Material: 5000D fabric
Length: 16ft (expands up to 50 ft.)
Latex Cores: double layer
Features: Sports a double layer latex core, can expand up to 5000D, shielded by a 5000D thick outer fabric material.
If you’re an in search of an expandable garden hose with a much tougher outer fabric, the Elk & Bear Expandable Garden hose is one of the two toughened expandable garden hoses we reviewed.
It sports an outer fabric cover material made with a 5000D thick fabric. It feels slightly tougher than the 3750D fabric material we saw on the Monyar Expandable Garden hose.
The Elk & Bear Expandable Garden hose measures 16ft and has the ability to expand up to 50ft. With its double-layer latex core, you should expect nothing short of a thick hose.
It’s also available in the 100ft length which actually measures 33ft but can expand up to 100ft when in use.
As expected, the hose sports bronze fittings, further proving that brass is the preferred material for making hose fittings. In addition to that, it comes with its own spray nozzle as its counterparts do.
One other thing that distinguishes the Elk & Bear Expandable Garden Hose from other expandable garden hoses is the things it’s used for. For instance, we saw a couple of hoses that can’t be used for holding chlorine.
Certainly not the Elk & Bear hose. It’s designed to be used as a chlorine holder, a water mixer, and a hose sprayer mixer. Now talk about extra value for your money.
It’s lightweight and also comes with its own storage bag. The hose has a rated water pressure between 0.4pa and 1.5pa and a temperature range between 50C and 550C.
All things being equal, we do have one or two reservations about the hose.
The point where the hose meets the brass fittings is a weak spot and may be prone to leakage with time.
[su_note note_color=”fffded” radius=”14″ text_color=”#000000″] Quick Tip: If you want to activate the lifetime warranty on this hose, endeavor to register it as soon as it is delivered to you. [/su_note]
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#3. TBI Pro Expandable Garden Hose
Outer Material: 3750D fabric
Length: 16ft (expands up to 50 ft.)
Latex Cores: 4 layers
Features: 16ft hose and can expand to 50ft, has an outer 3750D fabric covering, 4-layers internal latex core, spray nozzle, storage bag
If you have a small-sized garden, the TBI Pro expandable garden hose is a good choice. It shares the same features with the Upgraded 2019 Expandable garden hose we reviewed first.
The TBI Pro expandable garden hose has a 4 layer latex core and is one of the few hoses in the market with it. Majority of the expandable garden hoses have a double and triple layer core.
With the 4 layer latex core, there’s no doubt that the hose will be very tough.
Length-wise, the hose has an original length of about 16ft. It’s one foot shy of the 17ft on the SGODDE 50ft Expandable Garden Hose and the Upgraded 2019 Pro 50 Ft Expandable Garden Water Hose.
From 16ft, the hose can expand up to 50ft. It is designed to increase three times faster with the water pressure. This would take some water hoses ten minutes to expand but it takes the TBI Pro hose just 2 to 3 minutes.
In addition to the Elk & Bear Expandable Garden Hose which we reviewed above, this hose can also work with an RV. With its lightweight body and ability to expand, space and weight will be among the least things that bother you.
For storage after each use, you should use the storage bag that comes with the hose. However, you may be able to use a hose reel if the hose is properly drained of the water in it although it’s not designed to be hung on a hose reel.
In conclusion, you’ll probably get a couple of years out of the hose if you store it well after each use.
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#4. SGODDE 50ft Expandable Garden Hose
Outer Material: 3750D fabric
Length: 17ft (expands up to 50 ft.)
Latex Cores: double layers
Features: double latex core, comes with a storage bag, brass hose fittings, a spray nozzle, 17ft hose and can expand to 50ft, outer 3750D fabric covering.
There’s nothing really special about the SGODDE 50ft Expandable Garden Hose except the price. It’s arguably one of the cheapest expandable garden hoses on our list.
It has an original length of 17ft, a tad longer than the TBI Pro Expandable Garden Hose we reviewed earlier. It also expands all the way up to 50ft although we didn’t record that expansion in the course of this review.
The expansion takes only a few minutes as soon as the hose is hit with the right amount of water pressure. Similarly, it collapses and returns back to its original length in a matter of minutes and self-drains some of the water in it.
Do try to drain the hose completely before storing it to prolong the life.
We. however, did notice that the hose extended long enough for us to be able to get the work done. Given its tough design, the hose won’t kink – at least not for a few years after you purchased it.
As you’d expect, it comes with its own spray nozzle as well as a storage bag. The spray nozzle has 7 functions. The functions are regulated and adjusted through the control knob on the nozzle.
We have our reservations for the hose.
It doesn’t extend up to 50ft as advertised. That’s expected when it comes to expandable garden hoses. Again, it didn’t come with a turn-off valve that was advertised alongside it.
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75ft Expandable Garden Hoses
We reviewed only one 75ft expandable garden hose. Here’s what we think about it.
#5. Aterod 75 feet Expandable Garden Hose
Outer Material: 5000D polyester fabric
Length: 25ft (expands up to 75ft)
Latex Cores: double layer
Features: 5000D tough outer polyester covering for the hose, original 25ft length expands up to 75ft, sports a double layer latex core.
The Aterod 75 feet Expandable Garden Hose is the only 75ft expandable garden hose we reviewed. We did see other hoses but this is the one that caught our attention.
Like every other expandable garden hose we’ve reviewed so far, this hose features an external fabric cover. Unlike the 3750D fabric we saw on other hoses, the Aterod 75ft Expandable Garden Hose has a 5000D polyester fabric.
That’s really toughness explained. Let’s not fail to mention that it shares that toughness with the Elk & Bear Expandable Garden Hose which is one of the best expandable garden hoses for an RV.
As you already know, the hose expands up to 75ft from its original length of 25ft. It can also self-drain itself after each use although we suggest you properly drain the hose after each use.
The hose is lightweight no doubt, and it’s also strongly built such that it won’t kink nor tangle. And for the nozzle, it has 9 spray functions which can be controlled via the turning knob.
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100ft Expandable Garden Hoses
For the remainder of this article, you’ll find our review of the finest 100ft expandable garden hoses. We kick-started the section by reviewing the best lightweight expandable garden hose. Take a look.
#6. Best Lightweight Expandable Garden Hose – Monyar Expandable Garden Hose
Outer Material: 3750D fabric
Length: 33ft (expands up to 100 ft.)
Latex Cores: double layer
Features: Can expand up to 33ft, sports a 3750D outer fabric for toughness, has a double layer latex core, ¾ solid brass connectors, comes with its spray nozzle.
The Monyar Expandable garden hose shares almost the same features with the Upgraded Garden hose we reviewed above. However, there’s one difference between both and it’s in the weight of the hose.
Monyar touts this hose as a lightweight hose, and in all honesty, we can’t agree any less. It’s noticeably lighter than the Upgraded hose and has a double layer core latex instead of the 4 layers on the former.
As we expected, the outer hose material is made from 3750D fabric material.
The Monyar expandable garden hose has an original length of about 33ft. This length gently increases to about 100ft when you turn the water on.
For no extra cost, you get a 10 pattern spray nozzle head alongside the hose. Other items that come with the hose includes a hose hanger, a storage bag, and 3 extra sealing rings.
Monyar included a hose hanger in the package because this hose doesn’t work well with the conventional garden hose reels.
Connecting the hose to the tap is easy, thanks to the included washer that is included for that purpose.
In addition to that, if you need more hose length you can hook up another hose to this one by simply removing the nozzle and screwing in the new hose. You can buy two of it and hook both up.
The hose has a pressure range of 3 – 12 bars as well as temperature range between 410F to 1130F.
Any reservations about the hose?
Well, we think that the plastic fittings that come with the spray nozzle look like they’ll come off at any time.
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#7. Best 100ft Expandable Garden Hose – VIENECI 100ft Expandable Garden Hose
Outer Material: 3750D fabric
Length: 33ft (expands up to 100 ft.)
Latex Cores: double layer
Features: 3750D outer fabric covering, measures 33ft but can expand up to 100ft, has a double layer latex core, brass connectors
The VIENECI 100ft Expandable Garden Hose is undoubtedly the best 100ft expandable garden hose you’ll find in the market.
Unlike most expandable garden hoses, this one closely extends to about 100ft, much to our surprise. Some of the expandable hoses in the market don’t often expand to three times their length.
By the way, its original length is pegged at about 33ft.
With respect to toughness, it features a double layer latex core and an outer fabric with 3750D strength. It’s probably the same specs with the hoses we’ve seen so far so we do expect a bit of longevity from the hose.
Let’s not also fail to mention that it comes with brass fittings as against the cheaper plastic and aluminum fittings. There’s also a 9 function spray nozzle that you can use to control the water.
VIENECI includes a storage bag, a hose hook and the spray nozzle as extra additions for buying their hose.
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#8. Higen 100ft Upgraded Expandable Garden Hose
Outer Material: 3750D fabric
Length: 33ft (expands up to 100 ft.)
Latex Cores: triple layer
Features: 3750D tough outer fabric cover, 33ft length extends up to 100ft, triple layer latex core, 9-function spray nozzle,
The Higen upgraded expandable garden hose is yet another 100ft expandable garden hose that reaches its acclaimed length. It shares quite a few features with the VIENECI 100ft Expandable Garden Hose which we reviewed above.
Like the VIENECI expandable hose, the Higen expandable garden hose extends to almost 100ft. This is very important in an industry where a lot of people are tired of buying expandable hoses that can expand to more than twice its length.
The Higen expandable garden hose features a triple layer latex core. This is protected on the exterior by a 3750D tough fabric.
It’s also able to withstand water pressure up to 12 bar and temperatures up to 1130F and comes with its own spray nozzle. The spray function is controlled via the knob on the nozzle.
As expected, the hose features only brass connectors. It comes with a storage bag for putting the hose away after use but the hanging hook is not shipped with it.
In all, the Higen 100ft Upgraded Expandable Garden Hose is a great 100ft expandable garden hose.
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#9. Nifty Grower 100ft Expandable Garden Hose
Outer Material: 3750D fabric
Length: 34ft (expands up to 100 ft.)
Latex Cores: double layer
Features: 34ft expands up to 100ft, 3750D outer fabric, double layer latex core, comes with storage bag, has brass fittings
We’re almost at the end of our review of the best expandable garden hoses. But before we round up, let’s take a look at the 34ft Nifty Grower expandable garden hose.
As we earlier mentioned, the hose is 34ft long in size. It can extend to lengths of up to 100ft. It’s lightweight and is easy to move about in the yard whether it’s filled with water or not.
The hose comes with its own storage bag but if you don’t want that, then a hanging hook will be fine. It doesn’t come with a hook, so you’d have to purchase that yourself.
Design-wise, the Nifty Grower 100ft expandable garden hose is tough, thanks to its dual-layer latex core. Providing more support on the exterior is the 3750D tough fabric material.
Having these two characteristics doesn’t mean that you should allow the hose to stay in the sun for long. It’s designed to be stored away in a shade or covered properly.
Unlike the other expandable hoses we’ve reviewed, the Nifty Grower 100ft expandable garden hose can only support about 6bars of pressure as against the 12 bar we saw on most of the other hoses.
Generally, it’s a good hose and price-wise, it’s pocket-friendly.
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Conclusion
One of the things we noticed in the course of this review is that most of the hoses advertised as expanding to a particular length didn’t reach the said length.
On that note, we would like to point out that you pay close attention to the length of the yard or garden where you intend to use the hose as this will greatly determine how long the hose you’ll buy will be.
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