Expandable hoses have become popular with many gardeners. They ease the process of dragging and uncoiling a hose when you are watering your plants, patio, or when you are maintaining your garden. Unless you have the best expandable hose, watering plants and cleaning your car will remain bothersome. The best expandable hose reviews choices include:
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Expandable Hoses Buying Guide
Expandable garden hoses are trending with time and are replacing the conventional tubes. They consume very little space when not in use. The best expanding hose swells at least three times its normal length when filled with water, and retracts to its normal length when you are done.
Selecting the right expandable hose requires your understanding of the difference between different types of hoses in the market. Most retracting hoses work the same way, so you must read expandable garden hose reviews carefully when comparing different models.
How to Choose a Retractable Garden Hose
To get the ideal expandable hose for your watering needs, consider important aspects such as brand name, weight, length, and durability. You want a hose you can put neatly away without wasting time or energy. Retractable garden hoses are housed within a reel, making it easy to coil and store without kinks and loose tangles.
Before you choose, ask yourself if you want a manual or electric one. Electric hoses are easier to use but relatively expensive. Some retractable hose reels hide the hose while others leave it visible. Also, consider the size of the hose and the reel when choosing; you want one that reaches your plants without consuming all the space in the yard.
Another important detail is whether you have to reel in the retractable hose manually or it has a push button. The manual, which is cheaper, has a lever for winding up to coil or release the hose.
However, it takes more effort and isn't ideal for old folks, the disabled or anyone in a hurry.
The electric kind is best suited for people who don't have time to wind and coil it every time they want to work. The hose reels in through a push button, but as you can expect, it will be more expensive.
Size is another important detail; the hose should be long enough to extend from the water source to the yard or driveway to water your plants and occasionally wash your car. Most flexible hose reels are bulky; make sure you have sufficient space for the kind you choose.
Benefits of Retractable Hoses
Dragging a hose across the garden can be difficult, annoying, and dangerous. If you are wondering whether gardening should be that difficult, the answer is no.
Buy an expandable garden hose and eliminate the frustration and hassle of struggling with poor performing reel.
A flexible hose reel keeps your garden or driveway looking organized and clutter-free. They provide a fast and efficient way to store the hose after use.
The hose is kept in a plastic housing from where it can be triggered and retracted automatically. It uses an internal spring mechanism that keeps the hose squarely inside the housing to prevent clumping and kinking.
The lifespan of a retractable hose is ensured because inappropriately stored hoses easily kink, tangle, crack, and leak. The housing protects it from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.
Most importantly, expandable hose reels ensure safety by eliminating the risk of potential accidents at home or in the workplace. Hoses left lying around haphazardly present serious tripping hazards that can lead to serious injuries.
The best retracting hose reel will be packaged to include a hose, installation brackets, and a multi-functional spray gun. That means there is no more twisting, kinking, or tangling. Here is the perfect solution for your garden, driveway or patio.
What to Look For in a Good Retractable Hose
When reading a review on flexible hoses, check whether it is easy to use.
A good retractable hose is easy to draw from the housing, lock up the required length, and return to its housing.
Some hoses clasp when you pull the hose out evenly and release the tension at the length you need. The hose is then returned gently when you pull and release it, and allow it to retract.
The other important feature to consider is whether it has a swivel that allows the reel to swing at various angles. The ideal flexible hose has a carry handle and a stopper that prevents the spray gun vanishing inside the housing. The perfect hose should be lockable and easy to move between the store and the garden.
The other important feature to consider is whether it has a swivel that allows the reel to swing at various angles. The ideal flexible hose has a carry handle and a stopper that prevents the spray gun vanishing inside the housing. The perfect hose should be lockable and easy to move between the store and the garden.
The Best Way to Use a Flexible Hose Reel
Taking good care of your expandable hose reel will increase its lifespan. If you are using the hose for the very first time, fill it up with water while the shut-off valve is off, and allow it to stretch and expand. After it has expanded, discharge the water and repeat the process before you start using it.
Attach the setting spray nozzle to one end of the hose, it’s ready to use when it's fully expanded.
When the hose is not in use, shut off the water, drain the hose thoroughly by squeezing the nozzle and allow it to shrink back to its original size.
To prolong its lifespan, avoid leaving it exposed to the sun for extended periods of time or in extreme weather in winter. Don't use the hose on rough concrete or sharp edges. Keep it inside a shaded area all the time.
Some Challenges with Retractable Hose
According to most flexible hose reviews, it's an open secret that some expandable hoses have some problems. There have been instances where retractable hoses have leaked or burst, or cases where they failed to expand as expected. As a result of these issues, some people have lost confidence on bungee hoses. In most cases, these challenges seen on these hoses include:
Most of the expandable water hoses on the market employ a Latex or TPC inner tube. The biggest problem with TPC is that it's not strong enough and quickly bursts after a short while.
Latex is applied in a single, double or triple layer, making it stronger than TPC. However, when latex is employed with brass connectors, it results in a toxic chemical reaction that can cause the water hose to leak or burst. The sound created by the blast and its pressure could be unsafe
The Best Expandable Hose of 2018 Reviews
LawnTec is one of the highest rated garden expandable hoses. It measures 50 feet when fully stretched, giving optimal freedom for most watering needs. It shrinks to one-third its size, making storage a walk in the park.
LawnTec has a double layer of Latex, enhancing durability with a comparatively robust outer weave.
It has been branded the toughest expandable hose in the market. The integrated brass shut-off valve is handy, saving you endless trips to the faucet.
All connectors are made of brass and not the cheap problematic plastic snaps. The sale is accompanied by a 45-day money-back guarantee that takes the sting out of the purchase. If you are interested in a high-performing flexible hose that is affordable, LawnTec comes second to none regarding, convenience and functionality.
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The inner tough is built to last thanks to three layers of Latex. The outer material is made of a durable elastic material that protects your hose against any puncture. Sharp objects are not an issue here.
With the brass connectors, quality should not worry you. The hose can expand up to three times its usual size when filled with water, and packs away into a remarkably small space. Using the 50 footer Gardenivarna for the first time can be tricky, but once you are up and running, you will bid goodbye to heavy twisted hosepipes.
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One thing some Bungee hose reviews forget to mention about Ohuhu is its storage convenience.
You can choose between 17 feet, 25 feet, and 50 feet when filled with water before it shrinks back, and weighs less than 2 pounds.
The nozzle has a selection of 8 spray patterns with brass connectors that are designed to go the entire distance. Ensure you switch off the connector's valves before turning off the water, to prevent getting a kick from the hose.
Never drink from the latex hose because it contains cadmium, making it unsafe. The product may be reasonably rugged, but take care when around cactus or other thorny bushes. Ohuhu is the perfect choice if you are looking for a high-quality pocket-friendly expandable hose.
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The GrowGreen expandable hose is a cost-effective, efficient option. You can choose between a 25 foot, 50 foot, 75 foot, and 100-foot length, depending on your needs.
The 25-foot retractable hose starts out at 8 feet before it expands to maximum length.
There is a choice of 8 spray patterns including full, flat, center and angle. What's more, there is a cone, soaker, mist, and shower to cater for your needs. The brass connectors remove any fear of weak points.
The hose is made from cloth, latex, and PVC, making it tough enough for your regular gardening duties. However, you must pay attention when working around jagged and sharp edges.
GrowGreen with its one-year limited warranty is a no-nonsense flexible hose at a competitive price.
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The brass connectors are safe from corrosion while the triple latex inner tube gives it durability. ProLawn works efficiently to water your garden and wash your car, making it a sound investment.
The manufacturer offers money back guarantee. That means you shouldn't get worried whether you will love it or not. If you try and don't like its performance, you simply send it back to the seller.
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Conclusion
After going through every flexible hose review, the prize for the best expandable garden hose of 2018 reviews goes to the LawnTec Pro50 Expandable Garden Hose. It passed the strongest durability test and is guaranteed not to crack, break, corrode or leak.
It can withstand the highest or lowest temperatures, making it ideal for people living in areas with extreme weather conditions that quickly damage hoses. The solid brass fittings make LawnTec the best retractable hose, and with its easy storage case, you can take just anywhere. It is compatible with different nozzle attachments, making it truly versatile.
When using it, you only need to take care because too much pressure could easily cause some popping. This hose is easy to use, durable and easy to store.