Now is a good time to keep your lawn as healthy as possible by investing in the best garden hoses in the UK. It might not necessarily be an exciting purchase for some of you, but is sure is essential to the survival of our precious plants and flowerbeds who need to make it through the hot summer months.
There is hardly any difference if anything between garden hoses even though there is numerous options to make your selection from.
However, some insignificant difference, or what might seem that way, can have a huge impact on the lifespan of the hose and ease of use.
Most garden hoses look similar. However, there are several options with regards to storage requirements, length of the hose, and the type of material its made of.
High-quality garden hoses can last anywhere from 5 up to 10 years. Plenty of homeowners who purchase low-cost hoses end up spending more in the end as they have to replace it due to cracks, leaks, or the hose rotting. One might be able to fix some of the issues, but as a whole, it works out cheaper and is far less frustrating to get yourself a more expensive one to start with.
What we set out to do over here is to provide an extensive overview of what you need to look for when contemplating buying a new garden hose. This way you’ll know whether you are choosing a quality hose.
How You Go About Choosing the Best Garden Hose
One size does not fit all in the case of garden hoses. What might work for one person will not necessarily work for another. To a large extent it would depend on the size of the area where you will use the garden hose, what the hose will be used for and where it will be stored.
There are six points you need to review before you choose a garden hose
What You Need to Think About When You Buy a Garden Hose
Why longer is not always better?
Most garden hoses in the UK range from 10 to 50 metres in length. Most people think it best to buy a longer hose so they may use it for all their watering needs in the garden. We advise you not to do it. They cost a lot more and are heavy to lug around, require bigger storage space, and it is tough to drain the hose before you put it away during winter. What’s more, you will end up dealing with lower water pressure issues in time to come.
You simply have to measure the longest distance from your garden spigot or bib, then purchase a hose that goes just a little further. One shouldn’t tug on the garden hose and stretch it out as it will inevitably result in leaking issues.
If you intend using your garden hose on a balcony or deck area, then a 10-metre hose will do just fine. However, most yards in the city require a 15-metre hose. If you find you need a lengthier hose, consider purchasing two garden hoses, then join them in cases where you have to go further than 15 metres. This way, you do not have to lug a longer hose around that will put a strain on your muscles or back.
Measuring Water Flow
The most common garden hose diameter in the UK is 13mm to a maximum of 18mm. The measurement is based on the inside diameter or measurement of your hose, and not the outside. The bigger your measurement, the more water will go through the hose you use.
In most cases, a hose width of about 12.5mm proves to be the most useful. Essentially, you need a proper combination of water flow through the hose that is not too heavy.
If a heavy hose is too much of an issue, then you want to settle for a lightweight hose, featuring a smaller diameter as it won’t carry excess water. Making use of 12.5 to 13mm hoses are generally best with a length that does not exceed 15 metres if you intend using the hose for light-duty tasks in your garden like watering hanging baskets and containers. These hoses are not to be used for sprinklers that would require higher water pressure.
Which Materials are Better When Buying a Hose?
Usually, garden hoses are made of either vinyl or rubber, In some cases, you’ll find hoses that consist of both materials.
If you want a lightweight, yet a sturdy option, then your best bet would be a basic vinyl hose that is usually reinforced using a radial cord. These kinds of hoses are less costly, but more prone to cracking, splitting, or kinking than other materials. Furthermore, it will degrade a lot quicker when exposed to the weather elements or left in the sun. If budget is a biggie and you will only use the hose for lighter gardening duties, then the vinyl garden hose will do just fine.
Rubber hoses are longer lasting and stronger than vinyl hoses. They are more expensive and are heavier to drag along as you use the garden hose. Having said that, rubber has its advantages in that it will resist cracking, ward off ozone deterioration, and it is less likely to kink. For heavy-duty tasks and a hose that will last you much longer, rubber would be your best option.
If you want the best of both worlds, then you should opt for a composition of rubber and vinyl.
Hoses that are able to resist higher water pressure levels will in all likelihood be resistant to splitting and kinking as the hoses will be made up by reinforced materials.
Additional layers within the garden hose imply that these are a lot stronger. However, you must pay attention to what the layers are made of and not necessarily how many layers the hose consists of. If the hose features a strengthening mesh layer, then it is a good thing.
Be wary of hoses made from vinyl and rubber materials as they leach chemicals into your water supply. Make use of a drinking water safe brand if you and your pets prefer drinking water from the hose as these brands contain polyurethane that does not leach chemicals that are harmful to you.
How Strong is Your Hose?
Garden hose strength is usually caged by how much water pressure it can withstand before the outer material ruptures. If you wish to make use of a hose sprinkler or nozzle, then you need to find one that features a burst pressure of around 350 psi. In cases where you use your hose as a pressure washer, you may have to get yourself a hose that has a higher psi.
Making Use of the Kink Test
Ideally, you should settle for a garden hose that is flexible enough to allow you to store it or take it around corners without any issues. However, it should be so flexible that you have to deal with kinks all of the time. Kinking ultimately leads to splitting issues which shortens the life of the hose. All garden hoses kink, but some less than others as they are made of better quality material.
Rubber and reinforced hoses are far less likely to kink than other types of hoses.
Tip: When you shop or browse for a garden hose, be sure to bend into a U. If you notice that it kinks too easily, opt for another one.
Why Coupling Types Matter
Garden hose couplings are attached to nozzles, sprinklers, and spigots. Whether you make use of metal or plastic couplings, does it really matter at the end of the day as to which one you opt for with regards to how well your garden hose performs?
The less expensive garden hoses often feature plastic couplings. It is best you avoid these as they are prone to breakage, cracks, and leaks. What’s more is that you will struggle to tighten these properly. Also, when you leave it in the sun, it will break quickly.
Metal couplings such as chrome-plated or brass are either cast or stamped. You will notice that brass is thicker than sheet metal and it features an octagonal shape to make it easier to adjust it using a wrench.
Cast brass couplings are the most leak-resistant and way more durable. On the other hand, thin stamped-metal fittings are tough to tighten and will end easier. Be careful not to accidentally run over it with your car or lawnmower as it breaks down over time.
Large octagon-shaped couplings are so much easier to tighten, which is very useful to individuals who do not have great strength or struggle with stiff fingers.
It is standard procedure for hoses to come equipped with a washer already inserting into the coupling. These consist of thin plastic materials that easily break down. We advise you to make use of a high-quality rubber washer to serve as the connection point between the nozzle or spigot and hose fitting. This way you will prevent leaking issues.
When you opt for quality hoses, you will find they feature a rubber or plastic collar that is in place to reduce the odds of split or kink occurring near the spigot.
Garden Hose Types
Following below are some of the more common garden hoses as well as useful recommendations in terms of which brands will serve your purpose best
Lightweight Hoses
Many hoses are typically made out of vinyl (often with a reinforcing mesh or several folding layers) so they kink easily, almost always have plastic connectors and appear to be smaller so the costs are less.
If you do not need a long hose (over 30 metres) and you do not have to deal with lower water pressure or use a sprinkler or hose tubes, then having a lightweight hose will meet your requirements.
It is best you do your due diligence and take a look at heavy duty hoses too and check out the features and benefits of these as you may have to opt for this type of hose rather than the lightweight brands, depending on your needs.
Heavy Duty and Regular Hoses
Follow along as we talk about regular and heavy-duty garden hose types and how these can add joy and a sense of well being to your garden.
Hozelock Ultimate Hose - Heavy Duty
These are considered top of the range as they feature Super Tricoflex technology, meaning it is anti-kink, ultra-light, and an anti-twisting hose. This is a great starter hose and much lighter than your regular 30-metre hose, making it a breeze to lug around your garden area.
This hose offers excellent resilience and flexibility due to a reinforced knitted structure. What’s more, the hose is crush-proof and encompasses both frost and UV protection to ensure exceptional durability in any weather condition.
The silky structure ensures the user has a smooth gliding experience while watering the garden or lawn. This hose is perfect for domestic and garden use. You can easily leave and forget your hose in the garden as it's bound to last due to the kink-free and super-strong materials it consists of.
Features
- Smooth inner layers
- Soft and flex technology
- TNT anti-twist technology
- UV and frost safe
Gardena Comfort Flex Hose
Do you want a high-quality reliable water hose? Top-of-the-range Gardena Comfort Flex Hose is safe: UV-resistant keeps its form and is ideal for house and garden waterings without twisting and kinking disruption.
With original Gardena parts and attachments, the Gardena Comfort Flex hose packs a punch in what it all offers its gardeners and homeowners. Everything stays intact and drip-proof.
The GARDENA Comfort FLEX hose with its power grip ensures an ideal contact between the hose and the connector. Both can be interlocked with ease.
Furthermore, the hose is easy to use, flexible and pressure resistant.
As and when you need it, you may simply go online and gradually add original GARDENA accessories and system parts.
Features
- Top quality spiral mesh to ensure its pressure resistant
- Optimal holding force for a more secure connection
- Free of phthalates and heavy metals
Dramm 17006 ColorStorm Rubber Garden Hose
This is by far one of the best garden hoses in the UK. It might not be cheap, but the superb quality more than makes up for it. This isn’t just your regular garden hose. First of all, it’s made from a robust and commercial-grade EPDM rubber, which happens to be a high-density synthetic rubber that has no cracking problems.
What’s more, it is the kind of hose that does not degrade as quickly as rubber when you leave it to stand in your garden where it faces the elements. You may want to compare it with car tires.
Another useful feature is the nickel-plated couplings and the fact that it coils effortlessly while it resists kinks.
What else is there to say other than the Dramm rubber garden hose is beautiful and very easy to use on a daily basis. For the best price, we suggest you buy it online.
Features:
- Available in 6 fun colours
- Incredibly tough
- Kink-free and built to last
- Aluminium couplers
- Coils easily
Karcher Primoflex 1/2" Hose - 20m
This hose is very handy and with the woven reinforcement, it is pressure-resistant, making it perfect for the occasional gardener. This is one watering tool that easily survives the harshest of temperatures during any season, especially winter.
As a three-layer hose, Primoflex offer three key benefits, namely:
Guard against algae formation inside the hose
A reinforced middle layer that is also braided
UV proof and weather-resistant outer layer keeps the material intact
What is really cool about the Karcher range of products is the fact that their watering products are click system-friendly and offer the perfect solution for gardeners anywhere.
So, whether you are a garden enthusiast, an occasional gardener, or a professional gardener, Karcher will ensure you only receive the highest quality garden hoses that are made out of extremely high grade materials such as brass and anodised aluminium.
Features:
- Lightweight and flexible
- 3 Layer construction that includes a reinforced weave
- Free of harmful substances like barium, cadmium, phthalates, and lead
- Anti algae feature
Other Garden Hoses That Are Worthy of Your Any Gardener’s Attention
Some of the best garden hoses in the UK boast numerous features that include; crushproof, reinforced to resist pressure, coil-free, couplings being nickel plated to safeguard the hoses against high burst strength, and more.
For your convenience, we have included a list of the most popular garden hoses right now . It must be noted that some of these were made in the USA.
Briggs and Stratton 8BS50 50-Foot Premium Heavy-Duty Rubber Garden Hose
- 50-feet length
- Crush-proof heavy duty couplings
What sets this hose apart from others besides the fact that is a premium heavy-duty hose is the robust nickel-plated brass couplings.
Previously, we spoke about a drink safe option. The Flexzilla brand did a fantastic job in this regard by launching their one-of-a-kind range, like the one below
Flexzilla Garden Hose, 5/8 in. x 50 ft, Heavy Duty, Lightweight, Drinking Water Safe
- Extreme all-weather flexibility (-40 Degree to 150 Degree F Ambient)
- Abrasion resistant
This is a high-quality tech hose that is fully kink free and made to last. Not only is it lightweight, but it also features aluminium couplings and remains flexible even at very low temperatures.
Gilmour Flexogen Super Duty Hose 1/2 Inch x 50 Feet
- Patented tri-extrusion construction for maximum durability
- Polished cover resists dirt-collecting abrasions
You may very well settle for this hose and not buy another one in the future. The thing is that the hose is incredibly flexible, resists kinks easily, features patented foam layers, and Full-Flow brass couplings ensure you experience uninterrupted water flow.
The Hose with Power Grip
Maybe, you want a hose with a unique power grip in that it securely connects to the outside faucet without any issues after the fact. The grooves of such hoses interlock securely to prevent one’s hose from slipping off by chance when you least expect it to do so. Hoses that have a special winding mechanism makes things a lot easier foo, which is something else an avid gardener would surely pay attention as it proves to be one of those conveniences people cannot do without.
Let us turn our attention to expandable hoses to see what makes them so special and sought after by UK citizens.
Expandable Hoses
We bet that you would have seen numerous ads on your TV screen about a different kind of garden hose that easily expands up to three times its own length. These are usually very lightweight and feature bright colours. Most of these are about a half an inch in diameter and have sufficient water flow as opposed to non-expandable hoses. It is not the kind of feature you would expect from a standard hose.
Even though some of the higher-priced hoses can expand to some extent, it is just a matter of time before these present difficulties regarding coiling issues, making it hard to store when not in use.
When you use an expandable hose, you need to be aware of the fact that these stop contracting properly over time. Also, the hose will shrink dramatically once the water pressure decreases in the hose.
Also, once you have to deal with high pressure, or you leave your expandable hose in the sun, the material can eventually rupture due to the thin and non-reinforced flexible inner tubes.
However, many homeowners do not mind issues like these as they love how lightweight these hoses are and will go the extra mile to pack their hoses away once they’ve used them. It is a case of giving these hoses a bit of extra tender loving care. As long as you know that you may have to replace this type of hose more frequently compared to regular hoses.
Let us have a closer look at one of the top expandable garden hoses loved by many gardeners who favour this type of garden hose.
Flexi Hose Upgraded Expandable Garden Hose, Extra Strength
- MOST ADVANCED GARDEN HOSE ON THE MARKET! Made from the highest-quality materials & latest design, These garden hoses are the most functional, lightweight & flexible hoses that money can buy! The...
- NO KINKS OR TANGLES EVER – The Flexi Hose highest-quality material and latest design never tangles, twists, or kinks. Never worry about untangling your hose ever again.
If you are looking for an expandable hose that is different and more loved than any other of its kind, you’ve just found it with the Flexi Hose brand.
One of its standout features is the fact that it is made from top quality materials and that it easily reaches 50ft length makes it an effortless endeavour to move around the garden and reach various places with a full load of water in the hose.
You do not ever have to worry about a leaking hose when using the Flexi Hose as the solid ¾ inch connectors made from brass materials ensure leaking is a thing of the past.
Amazingly, this hose can withstand pressures of up to 12 BARS of water pressure easily and temperatures that go up to 113 degree Fahrenheit.
We spoke about having to store these types of hoses regularly if you want them to last for ages. This one is super easy to store and incredibly well designed. Also, if you consider that the hose is very lightweight and only 17ft long, you have yourself a winning formula when storage time comes around.
As a top quality expandable hose is supposed to do, the Flexi Hose does a fantastic job by tripling its length when required, and returning to its standard length within minutes to ensure easy storage.
The ergonomic rubberized handle is also slip-resistant and very comfortable to use while the 8-pattern rotating nozzle features various settings to make lightwork of watering your car, cleaning your pet, or caring for your plants.
Features
- Expands and contracts like magic and easily reaches 50 feet once the tap is turned on
- Shut-off valve function ensures there are no leaking issues to contend with
- No kinks to worry over and easy to store as its lightweight
Drinking Water Safe Hoses
How often do you or your pet find that you need to seriously drink water as the heat of the day got the better of you? It sure would be easy to simply open the tap and help yourself to as much water as you need. Have you thought of the chemicals that are often released from the inners of the hose you are drinking water from?
Besides, most hoses consist of materials that give it the flexibility it needs to get the watering job done without any issues. Isn’t it time you get yourself a hose that is labeled “drinking water safe”?
At the very least, the hose you get should be lead-free. You will find that these type of hoses are often used to clean RVs and boats and consist of non-toxi inner cores that do not leach harmful chemicals.
Let us take a brief look at two different types of hoses that fit the bill
CAMCO 50 PREMIUM DRINKING WATER HOSE 5/8" ID ANTI-KINK
- Heavy duty hose is 20 percent thicker than standard drinking water hoses
- Drinking water safe, lead free, BPA free, phthalate free and leaves no strong plastic taste in your drinking water
The Camco Premium is up to 20 percent thicker than most drinking water hoses and has no strong taste when you drink water from it. Compliant with all laws regarding the lead levels.
Water Right 400 Series Polyurethane Slim & Light Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose
- Soft, flexible, slim, lightweight, & effortless to use. Will not permanently kink.
- NSF and FDA certified polyurethane resin for safe drinking water. Tasteless and odorless as compared to pvc or vinyl hose.
This drinking water safe hose is a cut above the rest as it features chrome-plated lead-free brass and a stainless steel connector to ensure a secure fit. There is absolutely no BPA, lead, or Phthalates present or any other toxic chemicals.
Now, let’s turn our attention to Soaker and Coiled Hoses
Soaker Hoses
As the name of the hose aptly describes, soaker hoses are essential when you need to irrigate your garden. They are mostly made from recycled plastics and rubber that have porous walling. Once the water gets turned on, it will just ooze out into a thousand tiny holes so it may seep right into the surrounding soil.
You can either lay a soaker hose directly on the soil or bury it neatly beneath the surface. You would generally do this for larger vegetable bedding.
Soaker hoses are made available in a variety of lengths and diameters. Typically from a ¼ inch to ¾ inches. The bigger-sized hoses are difficult to handle due to flexibility concerns. In cases like these, you should invest in garden stakes to keep them in position. Just a hint, it is a good idea to let these hoses lie in the sun for a while so they can soften first before you lay them in your garden.
Soaked hoses are best suited for short and level sites that do not extend 30 metres. Opt for a soaker hose that can handle a fair amount of water pressure if you want to use it for a larger diameter garden.
We have two examples below you can look at:
GARDENA Soaker Hose
Soaker hoses are particularly useful to water your garden bed without harming the seedling or younger plants. Furthermore, you save as much as 70 percent in your water usage as it functions at a very low pressure.
FIXKIT 50m Soaker Hose Set
- Water-saving irrigation: For accurate, economical watering of beds and plant rows, achieving water savings of 70 percent
- Ready-to-connect and compatible The soaker hose is equipped with all fittings and ready to use immediately
What is great about the FIXKIT soaker hose set is that the percolation pipe allows you to gain direct access to your bedding plants and soil areas. The pipes are very easy to cut and allows you control over individual irrigation processes.
Coiled Hoses
As the name shows, coiled hoses form a tight spiral that comes together when the hose is put aside, and pulled out to full length once the need arises for the hose to be used again. These hoses are available in shorter lengths that range from 5 to 15 metres. Although you will find longer ones that are up to 30 metres.
These have a lower water flow than traditional garden hoses. The coils cannot be stretched to its full length. An example of this is a 30 metre hose that may only extend to 20 or 25 metres. Consider this before you buy yourself one.
Storage too can be a little tricky as coiled hoses cannot be placed on a reel and will soon get into a tangled mess should you just place it in a storage bin. Fortunately, you get stand-up hangers and wall-mounted hangers that were specifically designed for this purpose.
Coiled hoses are ideally suited for use in smaller places and when you engage in a lot of hand watering activities, taking place either on a balcony or patio.
Let us look at two examples:
New 30M Green Coil Garden Hose Including Adjustable Flexible Spray Head
- Coiled water hose is specially designed for outside watering jobs
- Made of weather resistant materials
For irrigation purposes, outside watering jobs, vehicle cleaning, and garden watering, this Green Coil Garden House is just perfect. It features water resistant materials to ensure your hose has a long life. You can easily extend this hose to a length of up to 30 metres to water your flower beds.
vhccirt 50ft Recoiling Hose PU Hose Heavy Duty Water Pipe Coiled Garden Hose
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
- Matiral: PU hose,recoil hose, attached with an 8-way nozzle.
The length of this heavy duty coiled hose extends to about 50ft, which is equal to 15 metres. It serves your purpose well when it comes to watering smaller flower beds, or there is a need to wash some stains off quickly. People love the 8-way nozzle and appreciate its exceptional durability.
Flat Hoses
Flat hoses are much the same as a fireman’s hose in that they spiral out when not in use and round out once it's filled with water. These are usually very lightweight and easy to carry around.
What is really great about the flat hoses is that they are self-draining and easy to roll up to store away if you have the right equipment that is to say. It is difficult to simply store it on a hose reel.
We suggest you look at hoses that come equipped with its own hose reel to eliminate storage worries.
These are very flexible and are made of vinyl. Unfortunately, if you are not careful, these punctures quite easily. They are not great for use around corner areas. What’s more, you need to unroll the entire length of the hose before you turn the tap on.
Flat hoses are suggested for use where storage space is a premium. As a whole, these are not your best option if you frequently need to water flower beds or other areas of your garden.
Tips to Consider When Setting Out to Buy the Best Garden Hoses
Pay attention to the fact that you might not get everything you need when buying your next garden hose. There are some welcome additions that can really make your life so much easier, such as a spray gun, the proper adapter and hose connections, and your hose reels.
The spray gun is very useful when you need to wash something off, or you need to make use of a softer setting so you do not wash your soil away while watering a specific area. When you purchase it separately, be sure to consider your options in terms of the ergonomic anti-slip grip and the multiple spray patterns that some models will feature.
Adapters and Hose Connections
We all know the importance of connecting your hose to an outdoor tap for which you’ll require a quality adapter that acts as the mediator so to speak between your tap and the hose. Luckily, the majority of adapters and connectors are standard in the UK concerning their sizes and availability. It is highly recommended you opt for high-quality metal or brass fitting instead of a plastic alternative.
Hose Reels
You might be on a tight budget and reason that you do not need to have a hose reel as you can just keep your hose rolled up and stacked inside your garage or porch. What you need to be aware of is that the hose reel serves more than one purpose, which is keeping the garden hose tidy.
The reel is also used to improve safety so nobody trips over the hose in case they come into the garage to fetch something, reducing wear that will mean you need to buy a new one sooner than you think.
Most garden hose reels are made up of plastic, metal or fibreglass. The shape of the reel is usually cylindrical. Reels are either manual, electric, or automatic when it comes to winding the hose. All reels can simply be mounted to a fixed location such as a garage wall.
Usage Tips
It is generally very straightforward to use a garden hose. Especially if you are already equipped with a spray gun as you can use it for multiple functions. Having said that, we need to make you aware of certain best practices when it comes to caring for your garden hose.
The first of these has to do with the fact that you must always drain your hose once you’ve used it. Any water left inside the hose will ultimately lead to algae or bacteria growth that can lead to serious health problems in the long run, depending if the hose is stored in an area where there is regular people traffic.
Even the hose can split if you fail to take proper care by leaving it in the sun or not clearing excess water from it.
When storing your hose, ensure you leave it in a cool area and not in direct sun. This way the hose wouldn’t become hard or crack from the intense heat.
Investing in the best garden hose in the UK is in your best interest and can make a huge difference to your plantlife and overall appearance of the garden. Top quality hoses will serve you for a very long time and are worth the extra money spent. If at all possible try and stick to some of the well known brands as best you can.
Last update on 2023-12-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
