Best Expandable Hose Reviews
Garden hoses are something that every homeowner should have, whether it’s for washing the car, watering gardens, cleaning up outside, or anything else that needs water. But, hoses can be very frustrating, because they constantly tangle up and they are difficult to manoeuver around the yard when you need them. If you’ve ever yanked around a full garden hose, you know what I mean! Many people are turning to look for the best expandable hose as a possible solution to the frustration.
Contents
What is an Expandable Hose?
Expandable hoses consist of two layers of materials. They have and inner tube materials inside and a stretchable fabric material on the outside. When filled with water, the hose can get up to three times its dry length. That means that when the hose is dry, it’s flexible, small, and very convenient, but when it’s full of water it gets to be the size of a regular garden hose.
They’re not a perfect solution, because the technology isn’t that old and it hasn’t been perfected yet. Most complaints come from the materials that are used to make the hoses, since they are softer than a normal rubber hose. Leaks and tears can become more common with expandable hoses, if you’re not careful about which one you buy.
Expandable hoses are compatible with watering wands, sprinklers, spray nozzles, spigots, and everything else that a normal garden hose would attach to. They come with connectors of standard sizing.
Benefits of Expandable Hoses
When you buy the expandable hose, you’re going to have a better experience than if you buy a cheap, low-quality version. Here are the benefits you’ll get from a good one:
No kinks or tangles
Even if you wrap it up and store it on the ground, or pull it around after you, it won’t get kinks and messy tangles the same way that a traditional garden hose does. That’s not to say that can’t get tied up at all, but it’s less common and won’t be as bad of a knot.
Lightweight
Since the materials are expandable and softer, you won’t have to use as much muscle to pick up or drag around and expandable hose. They’re not as heavy and cumbersome as traditional hoses, make them a great choice for people with a little less arm strength.
Less space needed for storage
Expandable hoses are significantly smaller when they’re not full of water than when you’re using them. This makes it really easy to store them, although you won’t be able to use a hose reel, because the expanding hose would destroy itself if it wasn’t fully unwound before use. In any case, you won’t really need a hose reel, since these hoses take up so little space and can be easily put away, because they’re flexible.
Self-draining once the water is off
It’s easy to winterize or drain an expandable hose, since most of them do it automatically once you turn the water off. The motion of the hose returning to its smaller size will squeeze the water out and make the hose dry again inside.
Top 5 Expandable Hose Reviews Comparison Table
Product Name | Image | Length | Hose Materials | Connector Materials | Shut-Off Valve | Additional Pieces Included | Warranty | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 50 ft. EXPANDED | 5,000 Denier woven fabric | Copper + Steel | No | Storage bag | 12 months | #1 | |
 | 50 ft. EXPANDED | Triple Latex core | Brass | Yes | Hanger, spray nozzle, splitter, and storage bag | 12 months | #2 | |
 | 25, 50, 75, or 100 ft. EXPANDED | Pressure-resistant Latex | Brass | Yes | Spray nozzle | N/A | #3 | |
 | 25, 50, 75, or 100 ft. EXPANDED | Triple layer Latex | Brass | Yes | Spray nozzle | 12 months | #4 | |
 | 50 ft. EXPANDED | Triple layer Latex | Brass | Yes | Spray nozzle | 6 months | #5 |
You can take a look here:
https://www.amazon.com/VicTsing-Expanding-Strongest-Expandable-Connector/dp/B01INH698S
Our overall top-rated hose comes from the mighty VicTsing.
Measuring 50 feet when fully expanded, you should have more than enough freedom for most watering needs. It contracts to one-third of this size making storage a cakewalk.
The latex core is double-layered for maximum durability. The outer weave is comparably tough. The manufacturer brands this as the strongest expandable hose and it’s hard to argue with that.
There’s an integrated brass shut-off valve. This is extremely handy and saves you endless shuttle runs to the faucet.
Connectors are also brass so there’s no cheap plastic to snap and cause you problems.
You’ll have 45 days in which to claim your money back if you’re not satisfied. This takes all the sting out of purchasing. You’ll also get a 1-year limited warranty so VicTsing clearly stand behind their product.
For a high performance expandable hose that won’t cost you a fortune, VicTsing’s 50-footer is second to none. You can enjoy all the functionality of a garden hose without the inconvenience of a huge, coiled mess.
You can take a look here:
https://www.amazon.com/Expandable-Shrinking-Strongest-collapsing-Connectors/dp/B01M0JHEP3
If you’re looking for some truly multi-purpose gardening equipment, this 50 foot expandable hose comes with a few extras…
You’ll get a nozzle with different spray patterns. There’s a hanger to mount your hose on the wall. Gardenirvana even throws in a 2-way splitter and 3 rubber washers. A handy storage bag keeps everything safe and close to hand. At such a keen price, you really can’t expect much more.
The inner tough is tough and built to last. It’s made from a triple layer of natural latex. The average tube copes with about 250 uses. You’ll get over 1000 with this superb hose so you can save money in the long-term as well as when purchasing.
A hardwearing elastic outer material means your hose should be protected against any puncture wounds. Thorns and animals can both be a nuisance but sharp objects should not be an issue here.
Connectors are made from brass so there should be no build quality concerns.
The hose will expand up to triple its original size when filled with water. Once packed away, it takes up remarkably little space.
One thing to note is that getting started can be tricky. It’s awkward to hook it up to the faucet if the end cramps up. Once you’re up and running, though, you’re in for a seamless watering experience.
Gardenirvana make your buying decision easy… You can return the hose during the first 12 months for a no-questions asked refund. That’s about as good as it gets!
If you want to kiss goodbye to a heavy and twisted pile of hose, think seriously about the Gardenirvana 50-footer.
You can take a look here:
https://www.amazon.com/Ohuhu-Strong-Expandable-Connector-8-Pattern/dp/B01NBH52J5
Next on our list is a superb and durable hose from Ohuhu at an incredibly reasonable price-point.
As with all these type of hoses, the design is very efficient when it comes to space. The Ohuhu starts off at 17 feet, shoots up to 50 feet when filled with water then shrinks back down again. When it’s empty, it weighs just 2 pounds.
The Ohuhu is also available in a shorter 25-foot length if you have a slightly smaller garden. Think about your situation and buy accordingly.
If you’re looking for end to twisted, tangled hoses that are a nightmare to store away, perhaps it’s time you invested in an expandable.
The nozzle gives you a choice of 8 spray patterns so you’re spoiled for choice.
As with the Gardenirvana, connectors are made of brass and built to go the distance.
Take note that before turning off the water, you should switch off the connector’s valve first. This stops the hose from kicking back at you. This is more critical if you have very high water pressure.
The latex this hose is made from contains cadmium. It’s not safe to drink from. While it’s never really advisable to drink from a garden hose, in this case steer very well clear.
Although it’s reasonably rugged, exercise caution around thorny bushes or cacti. Don’t leave it out in the direct sunlight and always empty after use.
For a budget-friendly expandable hose without any drop in quality, pop the Ohuhu on your shortlist. It won’t disappoint.
You can take a look here:
https://www.amazon.com/Expandable-Strongest-Expanding-Improved-Protection/dp/B01NBE2S80
As we near the end of our expandable hose reviews, another efficient and cost-effective option, this time from the highly respected GrowGreen.
There are 4 choices available:
- 25 foot
- 50 foot
- 75 foot
- 100 foot
We tested the entry-level 25-foot hose which starts off at just 8 feet long then expands once filled.
You get to select from 8 spray patterns. There’s flat, full, angle and center. As if that’s not enough, you also have soaker, cone, shower and mist to cater for all your watering needs.
Brass connectors eliminate any snags at points of weakness.
Made from latex, cloth and PVC, the hose is heavy-duty enough to cope with most regular gardening duties. As always with hoses, pay attention when you’re around anything sharp or jagged. The material is long-lasting and highly pressure-resistant. You shouldn’t get any splits, bursts or leaks.
GrowGreen offers a 1-year limited warranty so you’ve got peace of mind when you buy.
For a no-nonsense expandable hose at a competitive price, you can’t go far wrong with the GrowGreen. Just pick a size to suit and simplify your watering routine.
You can take a look here:
https://www.amazon.com/ProLawn-Expandable-Fittings-Triple-8-Ways/dp/B01ICMZAOS
Rounding out our reviews is a solid offering from ProLawn, another 50-foot expandable hose adequate for even larger gardens.
If you are tired of a heavy old hose and fancy some new blood, this lengthy hose is lightweight and expandable from just 17 feet. It weights less than 2 pounds so you get all the power without the weight and bulk.
As with most of these hoses, you’ll get a nozzle with 8 spray options.
Brass fittings mean you won’t be menaced by corrosion.
There’s a triple latex inner tube for real staying power.
Whether you want to water your garden or wash your car, the ProLawn expandable hose is a sound investment.
The manufacturer offers a no-quibbles money back guarantee so you don’t need to agonize over whether or not you’ll get on with the hose. Give it a try and send it back if you’re not satisfied. You’re covered for 1 month when it comes to any manufacturing defects.
But you will be satisfied. Once you’ve tried an expandable hose, it’s hard to imagine going back to a regular one.
How to Choose A Good Expandable Hose
What are the features of the best expandable hose? Here is what you should be looking at:
Length
Most people buy hoses because of hose long they are, so this is probably the most important thing if you want the hose to be useful to you. Keep in mind that some expandable hoses (but not all) will tell you their dry length versus their fully expanded length. There should be a great difference between these two numbers, with the expanded length usually being around 3 times as long as the dry length.
Hose Materials
Expandable hoses are made of two layers of material on the actual hose itself. The most important material will be the inner tube, because this is the part that usually ruptures or bursts under pressure. Latex is one of the strongest materials available, but it’s not a perfect fit for the hose. If used with brass connectors, a chemical reaction can happen that will cause the hose to be more prone to bursting at the seams. Unfortunately, this is also seen as one of the strongest combinations of materials, so it’s a common pairing.
Connector Materials
Valves are made of some type of solid metal or plastic. Brass and copper are the most common metals used, and plastic is only used on low-end products, since it’s not as durable as metal. If you have a hose with brass connectors, don’t use it for drinking water regularly, since brace contains trace amounts of lead. It’s fine for use with gardens, cleaning, and other outdoor applications.
Shut-Off Valve
A built-in shut-off valve can be pretty handy for helping you expand the hose more easily. This is a common feature that’s helpful for keeping the hose in good shape throughout a lot of expansions and retractions.
Warranty
Companies that truly stand behind their products can to reassure you that you’re getting something that’s going to last. And, if it doesn’t last, you can get a refund or replacement through the warranty program if it’s still valid.
Additional Pieces Included
Many expandable garden hoses come with a few extra add-ons to make the package more attractive. The most common add-ons are storage bags, spray nozzles, and hose hangers.
Conclusion
From the comparison table above, and based on the features I’ve mentioned, I would recommend the LawnPRO expandable garden hose. It’s the only one on our list that uses copper connectors, so it’s less likely burst under pressure and it can be used for drinking water if you want. It’s long enough for most home use at 50 ft., and it’s got a warranty for 12 months from the manufacturer. The only downside is it doesn’t come with a built-in shut-off valve.
