The Best Garden Hose and Hose Reel

Garden hoses are often overlooked when they function properly, but when they fail, they can become a real source of frustration.

After several years of testing—washing cars, tending gardens, pressure-washing driveways, and tackling other household tasks—we’ve determined that the Continental Commercial Grade Rubber Hose (50 feet) is the all-purpose garden hose worth investing in.

While it’s not entirely kink-proof, its durability and reliable performance far exceed the flimsy, tangled, and frustrating hoses that likely led you to search for something better.

Many hoses we’ve tested and recommended over the years work well for a season or two but eventually start to kink or deteriorate.

Throughout this time, the Continental has proven to be a dependable workhorse. It may not be a flashy garden hose, but it’s one we trust to get the job done every time.

We like the Dramm ColorStorm Premium Rubber Hose (50 feet) for its features, like nickel-plated brass couplings and color options. However, it’s more expensive, kinked more easily in our tests, and retained those kinks. While it was our previous top pick, rising costs and long-term testing results make the Continental the better choice.

The Eley 5/8-inch Polyurethane Garden Hose is the best we’ve ever used—light, easy to handle, and incredibly durable. Unlike other hoses, it resists kinking, and its large brass fittings are easy to tighten. Though it costs around $110 for 50 feet, its quality and 10-year warranty make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a hassle-free hose experience.

The HoseCoil ⅜-inch Self Coiling Garden Hose (25 feet) isn’t as tough or long as our other picks, but it’s a great choice for small spaces like patios or balconies. Its retractable design makes it easy to extend, recoil, and store. Though it offers slightly lower water pressure and is most effective up to 17 feet, its compact size and two-year warranty make it a solid alternative for lighter use.

Inexpensive hose reels often come with frustrations like poor quality and small wheels, making them not worth the hassle. The Gorilla GRS-175H 175 ft. Mobile Hose Reel is a solid investment, featuring a durable aluminum build, smooth reel operation, and easy maneuverability. It holds 150 feet of hose, providing ample length for most lawns, and includes extended pads for stability while winding. While it lacks flair, its impressive functionality makes it stand out.

The Eley Portable Garden Hose Reel Cart (or the wall-mounted version) outperforms the Gorilla reel in every way. Its exceptional build quality and sturdy metal frame offer unmatched stability, while the large tires easily navigate uneven terrain. The comfortable handles and effortless hose retrieval enhance usability. Although it’s pricey, the heavy-duty components are built to last a lifetime with proper care. The Gorilla reel is excellent, but the Eley takes it to the next level, earning its stellar reputation in the world of hose reels.

Our research led us to focus on two key criteria for selecting a garden hose: it must have wrench flats at the couplings and be made in the USA.

Wrench flats at the couplings: We prioritized hoses with hexagonal-shaped couplings that allow for easy use of a wrench, making it simpler to detach a hose when it’s tightly screwed on or when hands are wet. Hoses with these durable couplings tend to resist crushing, corrosion, leaking, and sticking.

Made in the USA: While this wasn’t a primary criterion, we found that US-made hoses often indicate higher quality and better customer service, as they are typically produced by companies based in the US. This also gave us a robust selection of options without needing to search internationally.

Other Considerations:

• “Drinking water safe” hoses: We did not prioritize these models due to concerns about chemical contamination, noting that better alternatives exist for drinking water.

• 50-foot length: This length is ideal for general use, covering most suburban yards effectively. Experts suggest using multiple hoses for longer distances to manage repairs easily. Most garden hoses have a standard 0.625-inch diameter, which we found suitable for our tests.

We’ve tested garden hoses for years in various locations. Our latest tests took place at senior editor Harry Sawyers’s home in Los Angeles, where we used the hoses for pressure-washing driveways, washing cars, watering plants, and dousing the yard for July 4 celebrations. We also conducted tests at senior staff writer Doug Mahoney’s farm in New Hampshire, where he regularly uses seven to ten hoses in the summer for irrigation and animal care, reducing to two in winter when hoses need to be coiled after use to prevent freezing.

We checked for leaks at spigots, evaluated hose texture, and observed how easily they maneuvered, getting tangled or knotted. We drained and recoiled the hoses, noting any memory or stubbornness. In a previous 2019 test in Ithaca, New York, staff writer Thom Dunn drove a Honda Civic over the hoses multiple times to assess durability at the fittings.

After peeling the flattened hoses from the pavement, we repeated a series of tests on each one, checking for leaks and damage at both spigots. We measured each hose’s water flow by timing how long it took to fill a 5-gallon bucket, revealing differences in flow rates based on diameter.

To further test durability, we let children aged 3 to 7 use the hoses and nozzles in backyard pool battles, subjecting them to dropping, kicking, and general rough play. While this likely voided warranties, it helped assess the hoses’ ability to withstand real abuse.

In addition to these tests, we’ve been monitoring the long-term durability of the recommended items. Real-life usage, including coiling, uncoiling, and exposure to seasonal changes, has provided valuable insights on maximizing hose lifespan.

For a reliable, all-purpose garden hose, we recommend the Continental Commercial Grade Rubber Hose. While it lacks flashy colors and shiny fittings, it excels in reliability, flexibility, and durability. Throughout our testing, this hose has consistently performed well over years, with some lasting over a decade.

Its thick, abrasion-resistant wall is more resistant to cuts and punctures than cheaper vinyl hoses. The Continental hose remains flexible even in extreme temperatures, having proven effective in New Hampshire winters down to -20°F.

It resists kinking during use and allows for easy gripping of its brass couplings with a wrench. While it lacks nickel plating, it still offers a solid connection. Available at Home Depot and local hardware stores for around $50, it provides excellent value.

With over ten years of personal use, we trust the Continental hose to meet our needs reliably, ensuring that hose-related issues won’t interfere with our projects.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Continental hose weighs about 12 pounds, making it heavy and somewhat unwieldy for some users. To avoid the hassle of lassoing it for unwinding or storage, we recommend using a hose reel. Its weight may feel excessive for small patios or gardens, where a coiled hose could be a more suitable choice.

The Dramm ColorStorm Premium Rubber Hose (50 feet) is similar to the Continental model but features flat facets on its nickel-plated couplings for better wrench grip. Although it was our top pick before, its inconsistency in long-term testing and availability issues led us to prefer the more reliable Continental hose. The Dramm hose does stand out with a vibrant color selection, making it easier to locate in overgrown grass. While the green version blends in, the higher-quality Dramm hose offers a stylish alternative to basic hoses.

Owner reviews suggest that a well-maintained Dramm hose can last for years, but we’ve encountered some issues with it. In our experience, the Dramm hose tends to kink more easily than the Continental model, often creating a weak spot that can become a recurring problem. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it can be frustrating. Despite these issues, the Dramm hose remains superior to many others, but we haven’t faced similar problems with the Continental during regular use.

We reached out to Dramm regarding their lifetime guarantee, and while few customers actually utilize it for manufacturing defects, it is indeed a valid offer.

Another drawback is the hose’s outer jacket, which features a mix of smooth and ridged textures called Sure Grip Technology. While this design provides grip, it also tends to collect dirt and mud when dragged through muckier conditions, making it challenging to clean. In contrast, the smooth surface of the Continental hose makes it easier to handle in such situations.

The Continental and Dramm hoses meet the needs of most users, but if you’re looking for a superior option and are willing to invest more, we recommend the Eley 5/8-inch Polyurethane Garden Hose. This hose eliminates common inconveniences associated with garden hoses, making it feel like a significant upgrade. After using the Eley, traditional hoses seem clunky and outdated.

Weighing about 7 pounds, the Eley hose is notably lighter than the Continental model, which weighs 12 pounds. This reduction in weight makes handling effortless, especially when spraying water at waist height.

Additionally, the Eley hose is incredibly flexible, making it easy to coil without the structured memory typical of rubber hoses. The loops naturally fall into place, enhancing its overall usability. In our testing, the Eley hose also proved resistant to kinking, further elevating its performance.

After over a year of daily use, the Eley hose has not kinked, even in situations where the Continental hose would fold sharply. It’s easy to kink when needed, such as when switching nozzles, without developing a permanent weak spot like the Dramm hose.

The Eley hose also outperforms others in water flow, filling a 5-gallon bucket in just 55 seconds, compared to about 70 seconds for both the Continental and Dramm hoses. While this might not seem significant for small tasks, it makes a difference for larger jobs, like filling a pool.

Made from durable polyurethane, similar to inline skate wheels, the Eley hose features attractive brass fittings and comes with a 10-year warranty, surpassing the five-year coverage of its discontinued rubber hose.

However, the Eley hose only comes in a battleship gray color, which some may find unappealing compared to the vibrant Dramm options. Priced at around $110 for 50 feet, it is more expensive than the Continental hose, but its lightweight design and ease of use make it an excellent choice for many users, including those who may struggle with heavier hoses. The Eley hose is available in lengths from 6.5 feet to 200 feet, with custom lengths also offered.

The HoseCoil ⅜-inch Self Coiling Garden Hose (25 feet) is lighter and less robust than our top picks like the Continental, Dramm, and Eley hoses, making it ideal for small patios or gardens where a longer hose may feel excessive. Its unique corkscrew design allows it to extend to about 17.5 feet when in use and then retract to its original shape, similar to a classic telephone cord, eliminating the need for manual coiling or a reel.

With a 0.375-inch interior diameter, the HoseCoil has a lower flow rate compared to the 0.625-inch diameter of our other recommendations. While this difference is mostly noticeable in side-by-side tests, using a good nozzle can help mitigate the effect. The hose features quality brass-alloy fittings, and the nozzle end has ample facets for wrench grip. However, the spigot end lacks accessible facets, which can lead to a cramped connection, as it is primarily covered by a black plastic strain-relief sleeve.

Buyers generally have modest expectations for the HoseCoil, often viewing it as “good enough.” Many reviews suggest similar hoses last around four and a half to two and a half years, aligning with our expectations. Although long-term durability is a concern, the HoseCoil has performed well in our tests, lasting over a year in harsh UV conditions on a Southern California wall. However, users should be cautious not to twist the coil out of alignment, as repositioning it can be time-consuming and frustrating.

The Gorilla hose reel is impressive, but the Eley Portable Garden Hose Reel Cart outshines it in every aspect. Known for its superior quality, the Eley reel combines premium materials with meticulous craftsmanship. It offers excellent stability, effortless mobility, and smooth reeling with a free-spinning handle, making it a joy to use.

Initially, we were skeptical about the Eley’s high price, but after testing, we believe it’s worth the investment for anyone looking to address hose-reel issues long-term.

Designed for durability, the Eley reel cart features mostly brass, aluminum, or stainless steel components, along with a high-quality 6.5-foot leader hose and flat-free tires. With a powder-coated finish, the cart is resistant to rust, and Eley backs it with a 10-year no-leak guarantee.

Using the Eley reel is straightforward. While we needed to brace the frame with our foot when pulling in 100 feet of hose, this was only necessary for the first 25 feet; after that, it reeled in effortlessly. Unlike other models that require bracing in multiple spots, the Eley reel’s handle spins freely, preventing hand discomfort. Its inward-angled sides keep the hose from jumping over the edge, a common issue with cheaper models. Additionally, the Eley cart features an adjustable brake to control hose resistance.

The cart is easy to maneuver, thanks to its large tires and well-placed handle. It navigated uneven lawn sections without any problems. It fits 125 feet of 0.625-inch hose, with an optional kit for 200 feet.

The main drawback is the price, currently around $325, which is significantly higher than budget options like the Suncast or Gorilla reel. However, those who value durability and premium features will find the Eley reel a worthy investment.

Two winters ago, we didn’t store the Eley reel before the first freeze, causing the hose connection to blow apart. Although we temporarily fixed it, we ultimately had to order a replacement part. To our surprise, Eley had reduced the part’s price from $55 to $27.50, citing a high demand from customers needing replacements due to freeze damage. This customer-first approach is rare; Eley chose to make the replacement easier instead of charging full price.

Additionally, Eley made it straightforward to find and order the part. Their replacement parts section is user-friendly, featuring clear schematics to help customers quickly identify and purchase needed components—another uncommon quality among manufacturers.

Another excellent option is the Hoselink 82ft Retractable Hose Reel, which automatically retracts the hose, making it ideal for those with limited strength or mobility. The hose easily pulls out and retracts with a gentle tug, similar to a window blind. It features a guide roller to ensure even spooling and comes with a 6.5-foot leader hose, a decent nozzle, and a quick-connect system for easy detachment.

The reel can be mounted at any height, allowing users to avoid bending over, and attaches securely to a wall or fence post. During our tests, the hose retracted smoothly, making it easy to manage without cluttering the yard. The nozzle rotates freely, preventing hose twisting.

While the Hoselink hose doesn’t match the flexibility of higher-end options like the Eley hose, its retractable design protects it from damage. However, the hose’s diameter is smaller (0.5 inches compared to 0.625 inches), which can slow down tasks like filling buckets; we found it took about twice as long to fill a 5-gallon bucket compared to others.

Priced around $230, the Hoselink reel offers 82 feet of hose and considerable convenience, making it a worthwhile investment for those who would benefit from its features.