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Best Garden Hose UK 

By  Enda

In this article we investigate and check out the best garden hose. For us, a good quality hose is a "must have" so as you can be easily able to use it primarily around the garden. You can of course use it for a range of other tasks such as pressure washers, washing the car etc. Its main purpose though is to be able to use it to water flowers, gardens, lawns etc.

The most frustrating things about most garden hoses though is twofold:

  1. Not being able to unfold or be able to fold it away quickly and without it getting bent and twisted so that it doesn't work without taking the kinks out of it
  2. Not to have it springing a leak, especially when connected to an outside tap.

If you have ever used a hose before, and suffered from either of the above problems, then you will know just how frustrating that can really be. Below, we explain what options you have available, and we also explain the benefits of each type.

Garden Hose Buying Considerations

Before you spend a single penny on a hose, we want you to be sure that your are buying the right one for your needs. Just below we have explained some basic things you should consider before any purchase. Hoses may all look pretty much the same from the outside, but that is honestly just not the case.

The main considerations should be what length of hose you need, what type of hose you need, what material the hose is made from, how you are going to connect your hose and finally how are you going to store your hose?

What length of hose do you need?

Hose manufacturers make hoses in 25 feet lengths. So typically you will find hose lengths are 25, 50, 75 and 100 feet long. Many beginner gardeners make the mistake of just buying the longest length of hose just to be on the safe side.

The downside of that, is the longer the hose length, then the weaker the water pressure will be. You should buy a hose length that allows you to be able to use the hose where you need it. It is worth calculating the distance to where you will be actually using the hose.

The diameter of the hose is typically 12.5 mm which is standard among most manufacturers.

How are you going to connect the hose?

The majority of gardeners or home owners will use an external water tap. That is usually located at the rear of the house. When measuring the length of hose that you need, you should measure from that location to wherever you will need to use the hose. You also need to ensure you have the right fittings that match both the hose and the tap.

Some hoses use brass connections with washers which are the best and will last for a very long time. That does however make those hoses more expensive.

Most manufacturers use hard plastic fittings along with rubber washers. These work well, but over time the washers will wear down and will need to be replaced.

You can connect a hose to a kitchen style tap, but different connections are needed for that. It will mainly depend on the type of taps that you have. This will always need to have a tap aerator suitable for your type of tap.

Most fittings come in either 1/2" or 3/4" fittings.

What are hoses made from?

Most garden hoses are made from either rubber vinyl or some synthetic version of these materials. They will then be reinforced using fibres designed in a web format. They will be made of different amounts of layers or ply. The simple rule is that the more layers, then the stronger and more durable the hose will be. Hoses are usually labeled as one to six ply. 

Rubber will last longer than vinyl, but some people still prefer vinyl as it is a lighter material.

Where are you going to store your hose?

In the ideal world a garden hose should be stored out of direct sunlight, and ideally they should be hung up so as they can fully drain. You should also never allow a hose to be stored with a kink in it, as that will weaken that point in the hose.

Most people will store their hose in a garage or shed through winter.

During the working months of the year, most people will keep their hose outside. Reels and carts allow the hose to be easily stored. That is because they have a reel that quickly winds the hose up. With most hose reels, you will also get a bracket which means it can be attached to a wall.

With the hose cart, they have wheels which allow it to be quickly placed into a shed or garage.

What Types of Garden Hose Are Available on the UK Market?

Before you make any buying decisions, we think it is really important to understand what options of garden hose are actually available to buy in the UK market. There are 3 main types of garden hose to pick from which are:

  1. An expandable garden hose
  2. A garden hose reel
  3. A garden hose cart

We have included images of the three types just below, so as you can easily see the differences.

expandable garden hose pipe

Expandable Garden Hose

a garden hose reel

Garden Hose Reel

a garden hose cart

Garden Hose Cart

Expandable Garden Hoses

Expandable garden hoses are a very popular choice for many UK home owners. That is mainly due to the fact that they are the cheapest type of hose to buy. They also come with a multi-functional head that can be adjusted to deliver different types of spray such as a water sprinkler, shower, jet, mist, full, angle, cone, etc.

They are also easy to store, and depending on the type that you buy, they are kink free and flexible.

My Recommendations for Expandable Hoses

Underneath, we have shown the top 3 expandable hoses, that are currently available in the United Kingdom. These are based on buyer ratings which we have researched from the various online stores that sell these types of garden hoses.

1. Flexi Hose Upgraded Expandable Garden Hose Pipe - Best Seller UK

Flexi Hose Upgraded Expandable Garden Hose Pipe Including 8 Function Spray Gun Nozzle - Extra Strength with 2 cm Solid Brass Fittings - No-Kink Flexible Garden Hoses (Black 15 Metres)

This expandable hose is the best seller on the UK market. It is one of the most functional, lightweight and flexible hoses that money can buy.


It is available in 50, 75 and 100 feet lengths. It is made from high quality material and the latest design ensures it never tangles, twists, or kinks.  

It uses solid 3/4 Inches brass connectors and a double latex pipe ensures leaks are a thing of the past. It also has an on/off valve. It comes with an 8-pattern rotating nozzle, with settings for a wide range of uses from watering your plants to cleaning your pets or car. The nozzle is constructed out of durable zinc alloy and has a rubberized handle that is slip-resistant and comfortable to use.

Check Amazon UK for Availability - Price when reviewed £24.99 - 86% customer satisfaction based on 16,000+ buyers

2. Suplong Garden Hose Expandable

Suplong Expandable Garden Hose 100ft,Expanding Hose Pipe with 1/2",3/4" Fittings,Lightweight Flexible Garden Hose with 7 Function Spray Nozzle(Black-100)

This hose expands from 33 feet to 100 feet length. When the water is turned on the hose quickly expands up to 3 times in length (100 Feet). It has connector protectors, which ensure there's no unwanted leakage while you’re doing your work. It comes with a 7 pattern spray nozzle.

Buyers said that this doesn't tangle, twist or kink. It comes with a 12 months warranty and a 180 days Money Back Guaranteed. The hose has a spray gun , a hose holder, a storage bag, and comes with both a 3/4" and 1/2" adapter.

Check Amazon UK for Availability - Price when reviewed £18.03 - 80% customer satisfaction based on 13,000+ buyers

3. Babadu 100 Feet Garden Hose

100FT Expandable Garden Hose Pipe,Flexible Expanding Magic Hose with 3/4", 1/2" Fittings,Garden Hose with 7 Function Spray Nozzle

It comes in a 100 feet length (approx 30 metres)


It is made of durable latex & 600D polyester webbing, and comes with a 7 function spray gun.

Check Amazon UK for Availability - Price when reviewed £19.45 - 82% customer satisfaction based on 7,000+ buyers

Top 3 Garden Hose Reels in the UK

A lot of home owners prefer the convenience of a garden reel. Most of these reels can be used as a free standing hose or can also be wall mounted. The casing on the reels help protect the hose from harsh weather. They also have a handle which is used to quickly and easily wind in the hose after use.

Our Top Garden Hose Reel Picks

Underneath, we have shown the top 3 expandable hoses, that are currently available in the United Kingdom. These are based on buyer ratings which we have researched from the various online stores that sell these types of garden hoses.

1. HOZELOCK - 2-in-1 Compact Hose Reel 25m - Best Seller

HOZELOCK - 2-in-1 Compact Hose Reel 25m : Portable or Wall-mounted Plastic Reel, Easy Rewind Function, Supplied with Nozzle, Fittings and Fixings [2415R0000]

This reel hose can be wall mounted or used as a free standing reel. It has a strong tough case that gives added protection from wear and tear.. This Hozelock model is a best selling model.

Buyers really like the large winding handle for hassle free manual rewinding. They also like the lightweight design and the folding carry handle allows the hose reel to be fully portable. This reel comes with 25 metres of Hozelock multi-purpose hose, a threaded tap connector, hose end connectors and a nozzle.

Check Amazon UK for Availability - Price when reviewed £53.34 - 90% customer satisfaction based on 12,000+ buyers

2. HOZELOCK - Compact Hose Reel 25m 

HOZELOCK - Compact Hose Reel 25m (ø 12.5 mm) : Integrated Handle, Supplied with 25m of Multi-purpose Hose, Fittings and Nozzle, Max. Capacity 30m [2412P0275]

This hose reel comes supplied, assembled and ready to use. It has 40 metres of premium hose. Like most Hozelock reels it is encased for better protection from harsh weather conditions. This reel uses a unique automatic layering system effortlessly guides your hose back into place. It also has a folding carry handle.

It comes with a 2 year guarantee and like most Hozelock products, a full range of spares are available. The reel also has a built in safety lock to prevent misuse. It comes with a 2 metre feeder hose 1 x nozzle 2 x hose connectors 1 x water stop 1 x 3/4” / 1/2” tap connector.

Check Amazon UK for Availability - Price when reviewed £39.24 - 90% customer satisfaction based on 9,000+ buyers

3. Kärcher HR4.525 Hose Reel

Kärcher HR4.525 Hose Reel With 25m PrinoFlex Hose

This hose reel is made from high quality materials and the manufacturer says that they last even the toughest of conditions. It also has fast winding so you can extend and retract the length of hose you need without breaking a sweat. This is a free standing model, with a mobile hose reel, complete with 25m of high quality PrimoFlex garden hose. It can also be wall mounted. It comes with a spray gun plus, 3 x Hose connectors, 1 x hose connector with aqua stop, tap adaptor and wall bracket.

Check Amazon UK for Availability - Price when reviewed £55.59 - 88% customer satisfaction based on 1,000+ buyers

Top 3 Garden Hose Carts in the UK

Garden hose carts are not as popular as either the expandable hose or the garden hose reels. The main difference with the cart is that it has wheels, and also has an extending handle to help pull it along. These are a good choice for those who like to store their hose in a shed or garage when not in use.

That helps keep it out of the way, and is easily moved when you need to use it. These carts also have a reel which works in the same way as the reels explained above.

Our Top Garden Hose Cart Picks

Underneath, we have shown the top 3 garden hose carts, that are currently available in the United Kingdom. These are based on buyer ratings which we have researched from the various online stores that sell these types of garden hoses.

1. Hozelock 60m Assembled Hose Cart - Best Seller

HOZELOCK - Cart Plus 50m (ø 12.5 mm) Assembled : Max Capacity 60m, 1-piece Rewind Handle, Sturdy Frame for General Use, Supplied Assembled with 50m Hose, 1 Nozzle and Fittings Included 2435R0000

This garden hose cart comes ready assembled. It has a tough, robust and durable wheeled hose reel, that makes it very easy to move your hose around the garden and yard. It has a one piece winding handle that allows for quick and easy rewinding. The reel also protects your hose and helps prevent kinks and tangles.

It comes with a 2 year warranty and like most Hozelock products, and a full range of spares are available. It has a viewing window that allows for full control and stress free rewinding. It also has a tall foam covered towing handle, carry handle and wheels ensures the reel is fully portable.

Check Amazon UK for Availability - Price when reviewed £63.92 - 90% customer satisfaction based on 10,000+ buyers

2. Hozelock Compact Cart 30 Metres

HOZELOCK - Compact Cart Reel 30m : Stable, Sturdy Reel on Wheels, Easy to Assemble and Use, Large Winding Handle, Enclosed Casing, Supplied with all Necessary Accessories [2416R0000]

This is a compact cart with a wheeled cart that comes complete with 30m of multi-purpose hose. It has a foam covered towing handle, carry handle and wheels that allow the hose reel to be easily manoeuvred and stored. The enclosed casing gives added protection from wear and tear.

It has a winding handle for hassle free manual rewinding. Thanks to the lightweight design this hose reel cart is fully portable.

Check Amazon UK for Availability - Price when reviewed £69.99 - 82% customer satisfaction based on 700+ buyers

3. Kärcher HT3.420 Hose Trolley

Kärcher HT3.420 Hose Trolley With 20m PrimoFlex Hose

This model is also popular with UK buyers and it is a space saving cart that is very easy to store away. The handle is height adjustable and also non-slip. It comes with 20 metres of 1/2" PrimoFlex hose and all the necessary connectors.. It is compatible with all available click systems.

The manufacturer has designed this as heavy duty and built to last. It comes with an angled connection adapter, smooth-running winding handle and innovative folding function for space-saving storage it is ideal for watering medium to large areas and gardens.

Check Amazon UK for Availability - Price when reviewed £60.17 - 88% customer satisfaction based on 300+ buyers

UK Garden Hose Detailed Buying Guide & FAQ

Below I have included a buyer's guide which I hope you will find useful. For those of you wanting to replace or buy a new garden hose, then this will be a very useful guide, that will help you make the best choice.

What Length of Hose Do You Need?

Forget about the hose kinking or bending when thinking of buying a hose. In my opinion the biggest mistake made when buying a hose, is that most people buy one that is too short. I have seen so many people doing this and it is a huge mistake. Have a think about what you will be using the hose for.

Is it for doing the gardens, washing the car, cleaning down patios etc? Then pace out the distance from the tap where it will be connected to the farthest area where you will need the hose to reach. the average pace size is about 2.5 feet. Count up the paces, and then multiply by 2.5 and you will get the length you need in feet. That is the length of hose that you will need.

For example say you wanted the hose to wash your car which was parked outside your house. I would walk from my external tap, up the driveway, and around to the other side of the car. Let's assume that was about 40 paces. 40 x 2.5 is 100 feet. There are approximately 3 feet in a metre, so a 30 metre hose would do the job.

Now Think About Kinks in the Hose

This is probably the most annoying thing of all. You are using your hose and bingo, the water drops to a dribble or stops altogether. You look around and there is a big kink in the hose pipe. You fix that, go back to your work, and bingo it happens again.

Over the years I have used lots of hoses and all of them are prone to this bending and kinking. Some are a great deal worse than others. Please take my advice and avoid buying any type of cheap hose. It will drive you insane!!! For a good quality hose and reel, expect to pay around £35-40. For that you get a tough strong hose that will not kink, and will last for years.

Hose Fittings

If you have never worked with hose fitting before, they may just drive you to distraction, especially when they leak. Something that "should" be very straightforward can often become quite complex. There are essentially only two fittings that you need to do. The first is from the tap to the hose or to the hose reel, and the second is from the other end of the hose to the spray head.

My strong recommendation is to only buy the complete kit. That way you are certain you have all the right parts. With a brand like Hozelock that is an easy thing to do, and fitting then becomes very easy.

External Taps for a Hose

outside tap for a hose

For far too long I struggled with trying to fit a hose to the kitchen tap. (Much to the complete annoyance of my good lady) This is simply a very bad idea. if you haven't got an external tap, then I urge you to buy one and either fit it yourself, or get one fitted. You will fall in love with it.

An external tap like the one above costs under £10 and makes your life a great deal easier. The only difficult bit is drilling the hole through the wall so as you can tap into the main water pipe.

Enda


I am someone who enjoys a little gardening. Now I am not someone who spend hours in the garden, but I do like both my front and back gardens to look really nice. Well kept lawns, neatly trimmed hedges, and borders filled with plants, make a huge difference, to how your property looks.

Enda McLarnon

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