Last Updated on June 24, 2022 by Gary Stephen
Let’s be honest, garden hoses are every homeowner’s best tool. It helps to water the plants, bath the pets, wash the car, and cleans the driveway. For all of this and more, garden hoses are your go-to tool: so just wait until you hear about the coiled garden hose.
As useful as it may be, we cannot deny the fact that the meters after meters of tubing can be cumbersome to handle. It tends to be heavy and prone to get tangled. Moreover, it is also bulky and likely to occupy more storage space.
Thank heavens the concept of a coiled hose was created! Now, you can enjoy the same benefits of a regular garden hose with much less hassle. The coiling pattern makes the hose easier to maneuver and tidy too.
Allow this article to give you further insight into what the coiled garden hose really is. What benefits can it offer? And of course, a list of buying guidelines to help you find the right coiled hoses for your needs. In addition to that, we also included our top 5 product recommendations to give you a good line-up of options to start with.
What is a coiled garden hose?
A coiled garden hose is pretty much similar to traditional garden hoses in terms of functionality. Nevertheless, this hose stands out among others for its innovative design. It has a spring-like pattern that allows the hose to stretch and bounce back to its original shape.
Coiled hoses often come in shorter lengths that usually range between 15 to 25 feet. But other companies do offer more length options for you to work around with. With such a range, this type of hose is most suitable for doing basic household watering chores.
Size-wise, the coiled hose often measures about half an inch in diameter. Yes, it is smaller than your regular garden hoses. Hence, expect the water flow and pressure to be reduced as well when you opt to use a coiled hose.
The material used for making coiled hoses is varied. But most commonly, it is made of different types of rubbers and plastics. This well includes natural and synthetic rubbers, polyurethane, PVCs, and other thermoplastic materials.
How does the coiled hose differ from other garden hoses?
The coiled hose is not actually very different from other types of garden hoses. They basically offer the same purpose and that is to conveniently deliver water to areas away from the tap.
Nonetheless, there are also considerable differences in terms of its features. Aside from the fact too that each type has obvious dissimilarities in their appearances.
Here’s how the coiled hose compares versus the traditional and the expandable garden hoses:
Durability
When it comes to durability, nothing beats the classic! Traditional garden hoses still are the most sturdy among other types. Depending on the type of material used, it is more resistant to damaging elements. Its fuss-free straight construction makes it less prone to stress. Unlike the coiled and expandable hoses that constantly stretch and shrink when in use.
Don’t get me wrong, coiled hoses are fairly durable too. It’s just that the hose is thinner than the traditional garden hose. Hence, they have a lesser defense against abrasions, punctures, and other ruinous factors.
Weight
In terms of weight, the garden hose with the least wall layers is consequently the lightest as well. Hence, this category rightfully belongs to the expandable hoses. Yes, it weighs the least because it is the thinnest out of the three. On that note, it is great on the go due to its portability.
Coiled hoses are most often lightweight too. But because of its recoil action, it tends to put false weight into the hose. Thus, they feel much heavier when handled during use as compared to their default state.
Traditional garden hoses, on the other hand, are the heaviest of all. It has more solid construction and so it is expected for it to be on the heavier side. As a consequence, some people might find it difficult to manage as it tends to be more physically taxing. This is most especially true as the length of the hose gets longer.
Twists, Kinks & Knots
One of the common issues with garden hoses, in general, is their tendency to twist and form kinks and even knots. This is partly unavoidable because you are maneuvering meters-length of tubing. It can be quite challenging to make the entire hose follow the same direction without getting entangled in itself or something.
Most of the time, this problem occurs with traditional garden hoses. The straightness of this hose makes it more prone to get tangled. It gets even harder to navigate a lengthy hose, especially around corner areas.
On the flip side, the expandable hoses are much easier to handle because of their lighter weight. So you can pretty much carry it around for it to be less likely to kink or get twisted. Then again, you cannot get too carried away and tug it hard anywhere you pleased. Remember, this hose is thinner thus more prone to get damaged.
Meanwhile, coiled hoses seem to have outweighed the other two in this round. It has the least tendency of all to forming twists, kinks, and knots. This can be well attributed to its shorter length and elasticity. As you may know, the shorter the hose is, the easier it is to maneuver too.
Storage
Shorter garden hoses are easier to store in the same vein as it is easier to use too. On the other end, storing ones with longer lengths is definitely more tricky.
Among the three, the expandable garden hoses are more effortless to tidy and stow away. Since it is self-retracting, even lengthy hoses will shorten anyway when not in use. However, this type of hose is more sensitive to extreme climates. Hence, make sure not to leave it exposed to direct sunlight for too long as it can compromise its lifespan. It is best stored in a cool, dry, and shaded area as much as possible.
On the contrary, traditional hoses are far more durable to withstand direct heat from the sun. You can feel at ease leaving them outdoors if you are feeling a bit too lazy to tidy it up. Nevertheless, it is still highly advisable to store them properly to keep them in better shape.
However, it takes more effort to wind up a traditional hose because of its weight and length. But it is good to know that there are manual, spring, and motor-driven reels that can help out with that. Simply hook one end of the hose to the reel to facilitate the winding of the hose into the barrel with much ease.
Meanwhile, coiled hoses are more compact and generally shorter in length so they are technically easier to put away. However, its natural loops can be quite less neat to look at if you leave it hanging as is. Some people simply opt to store them in a bin. But I personally find it more convenient if you put them in a pole stand. That way you can nicely stack its loops without occupying too much space.
Benefits of Using Coiled Garden Hoses
Compact
Compactness is probably the biggest advantage of coiled garden hoses. Its ability to retain its shape into a tight spiral enables the hose to be as compact as it can be. No loose loops. Just neatly rounded coils with consistent sizing from end to end.
This makes it a very suitable choice for households with minimal storage availability. Because of its compact size, it is a great tool to have by the patio or the balcony. It is easily accessible without consuming too much space.
Lightweight
Traditional garden hoses tend to be a lot heavier compared to coiled hoses. Hence, it would ultimately require you as well to exert more effort to manipulate the tubings. This might not be much of a hassle if the hose is fairly short. But, the longer ones can be quite tiresome to tackle with every use.
Coiled hoses, though, are slightly more lightweight and so they are much easier to manipulate. On that note, this type of hose is a better choice for users with physical restrictions. For example, the elderly and people with disabilities. With coiled hoses, these users are least likely to struggle to handle them.
Self-retracting
The coiled hose is a self-retracting type of garden hose. That means, the tubing manages to gradually recoil back into its default length and shape after the water source is cut off. All you need to do is to clear the way and make sure it won’t get stuck in any object or trample over your precious flowers. Then, wait for it to recoil by itself.
Compared to other self-retracting garden hoses, the coiled hose is much safer to use. In the sense that its retraction speed is much slower and gentler. Unlike the automatic retracting hoses that have the potential to accidentally whip if winded up to fast. Hence, such types are best retracted with supervision especially when other people are around.
Easy to store
Because of its compact size, it won’t require a big area to store. You can easily stow it away in a container bin. Or better yet, maximize your vertical space by hanging your hose or using a pole stand. Just make sure to use a hose holder with a smooth surface. That way, it won’t scuff or puncture your hose.
Drawbacks of Using Coiled Garden Hoses
Limited hose length
Coiled garden hoses have fairly limited options when it comes to their length. Unlike regular hoses that can reach up to 150 feet, the coiled types are often available up to 75 feet maximum. That basically makes its use more apt for smaller areas.
Furthermore, you should also know that the declared length of the hose is not its actual workable length. Because of its natural curvatures, this hose won’t stretch out stick-straight. Hence, it is best to give it about a 5 to 10 feet allowance. For instance, a 50-feet coiled hose will have a working length of 40 to 45 feet in reality.
Reduced water flow and pressure
Coiled garden hoses are often available in 1/2-inch diameter. This size is the most common for this type of hose. And because it has a smaller diameter, the water flow is expected to be reduced as well. Along with this, the water pressure is also affected due to the restriction. So, if a high-pressure washer is what you wanted, then the coiled hose may not be your best bet.
Nevertheless, there are also some companies that offer other diameters including 3/8 and 5/8 inches. If you happen to find one, it is better to go for the biggest possible. Remember, the wider the diameter, the more water and pressure it can provide.
Water stagnation
Because of its loops, it makes it more difficult for the excess water to drain. Hence, it is best to give your hose some time to hang and let the remaining water from the inside drip. Make sure the hose is dry before storing it. Otherwise, the stagnant water will compromise the inner lining of the hose. Furthermore, it is also a perfect breeding ground for germs and as well as mold and mildew.
What to consider when buying a coiled garden hose?
Hose Material
The material itself of the hose is a major determinant factor of the quality of the product. It is only as good as what it is actually made of. Most often, coiled garden hoses are made with natural and synthetic rubbers and different types of plastics. It can either be built from a single type of material or in combination.
Rubbers are best for their durability but they also tend to weigh heavier too. Synthetic rubbers and thermoplastics though are a great alternative option. They offer a good balance of weather and wear-resistance without compromising the sturdiness.
Hose Construction
Aside from the material used, how the hose was being constructed is equally important too. How good can a high-quality material be if the hose is poorly put together, right? Both material and construction go hand in hand in creating a reliable coiled hose.
In garden hoses, the quantity of layers matters. The more layer there is, the more likely it is to withstand damaging external factors. This may well include tears, cracks, abrasions, high water pressure, and extreme temperatures.
Fittings
Hose fittings are what connect your coiled hose into the water source and the sprayer on the other end. The hose would be useless without this component. Hence, it is essential to consider its quality too. Otherwise, an improperly fitted hose connector will leave you with a leaky garden hose.
Solid brass material is one of the best materials for garden hose fittings. It offers good tensile strength, ductility, and resistance to corrosion. However, its superior quality comes with a steeper price point too. Brass is often more expensive compared to other materials. Hence, you can often find this in higher-end coiled hoses.
On the other hand, materials such as stainless steel and aluminum are easier on the pocket. They are still of decent quality and offer comparable performance as well. Plastic though is the most budget-friendly of all the fittings. It is very inexpensive but, of course, the quality is not at par with other materials.
Length
As mentioned earlier, the length of the coiled hose is not its actual work length. You still have to consider the shape itself of the hose. It is not as straight as an arrow even when fully stretched. Hence, you have to give it some allowance.
You should bear this in mind when buying coiled hoses so you won’t fall short of your expectations. Usually, a difference between 5 to 10 feet is expected.
Size of work area
Coiled hoses are often offered in shorter lengths compared to other garden hoses. Hence, the size of your garden, lawn, and other working areas should be one of your considerations. To make sure the hose works to your advantage, you must be able to get a measurement of these areas.
If ever the length of the hose is simply not enough, fret not as there is still a way to make things work. You can always use a hose coupling to literally make the ends meet. This component allows you to connect your existing hose to another hose to extend its overall length.
Safety with drinking water
It is necessary to determine what is it that you intend to use your coiled hose for. Is it just intended for watering the plants, washing the car, or cleaning the driveway? Or, do you also plan to use it for watering your edible plants or bathing your pets and even your kids?
If your answer includes the latter, then it is best to choose a coiled hose that is specifically meant to use with potable water. Different hose materials have different safety levels. Some of them leech off harmful chemicals such as lead, phthalates, bromine, antimony, and BPA to name a few. These toxins can accumulate in your bloodstream and can potentially be harmful to you, your family, and your pet’s health.
Materials such as natural rubber, EPDM, and some types of silicones are more appropriate for this purpose. They are non-toxic and won’t impart an odd taste to your drinking water. Hence, they are fairly safe to use.
Cost
Price-wise, coiled hoses are fairly affordable. It can cost as low as 15 bucks but the good-quality ones are usually between $20 to $40. It can be a bit pricier than the traditional straight garden hose. But, the cost rarely exceeds more than $100 in general.
Our Top Pick Coiled Garden Hose Products
INSTAPARK RECOIL GARDEN HOSE
The Instapark coiled hose is available in 25-feet length. It has a 1/2-inch diameter typical to coiled types. It is not much of a length and size but it is great enough to use for daily household watering chores.
This hose is made with Ethylene-vinyl acetate or EVA in short. It is an elastomeric polymer that offers softness and flexibility similar to that of a true rubber. This rubber-like material is also UV-resistant and lightweight. The entire hose weighs only about 1.3 pounds.
Another great feature of this hose is that it comes with a brass fitting. The brass material is well-established in the industry for its anti-corrosion properties. It is reinforced with a rubber seal to keep it water-tight. The hose is compatible with the American standard 3/4-inch fittings.
Conveniently, the package already comes with an adjustable spray nozzle. It has a rubber grip to prevent it from slipping your hands when in use. To further add comfort, it has a latch mechanism to lock in the water flow as needed. This spray nozzle can deliver 7 different spray patterns to cater to different watering needs.
Lastly, the company offers a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. The 12 full months give you plenty of time to test out the efficiency of the product.
Check out the latest price of Instapark Recoil Garden Hose here.
AUTOMAN RECOIL GARDEN HOSE
The Automan coiled hose is a very similar product to the Instapark Recoil. This hose is also made with premium EVA material. So, it offers the same lightweightness, durability, and UV resistance.
As to the hose’s size, the Automan Recoil offers a slightly smaller dimension of 3/8-inch. However, it is available in both 25 and 50 feet lengths. So, you have an alternate option here if you rather prefer a longer hose.
In terms of connectors, the Automan also features rubber seal-enforced brass fittings. So, it is likely to corrode and leak at the same time.
The package also includes an ergonomically designed spray nozzle. It comes with adjustable pressure and a locking latch. Moreover, it features 7 spray patterns too that can be switched through its rotating bezel.
The quality of the Automan Recoil hose is backed up with a 100% money-back guarantee. Hence, this risk-free approach makes it worthwhile to be given a good try.
Check the latest price of Automan Recoil Garden Hose here.
WATER RIGHT 300 SERIES COIL HOSE
The Water Right 300 series is one of those coiled hoses that offers plenty of versatility. It is available in lengths of 25, 50, and 75 feet. This enables you to find the right length to adapt to various watering tasks. Plus, it comes in a bunch of sophisticated colors too.
The hose is made with polyurethane or PU. This material combines the best of both rubber and plastic. Hence, this gives it good tensile strength and the ability to resist tears and abrasions. Moreover, Water Right uses a UV stabilized PU. That means the material is augmented with a stabilizer to protect it from UV degradation.
But what makes this coiled hose stand out is because it is safe to use with drinking water. The hose itself does not leak out phthalates and it has lead-free brass fittings too. Thus, it is totally safe to use around your kids, pets, and your plants.
Check the latest price of Water Right 300 Series Coil Hose here.
PLASTAIR SPRINGHOSE RECOIL HOSE
The Plastair SpringHose is another drinking water-safe recoil garden hose. It is made with lead-free virgin-grade polyurethane material. That means the PU used to produce this hose is not recycled and therefore more superior quality.
This hose is available in 15, 25, and 50 feet lengths. Moreover, it is also offered in both opaque and clear translucent varieties too. The diameter of the hose measures a standard 3/8-inch.
The Plastair SpringHose offers an extra large inner diameter. Thus, you can expect stronger water flow. At the same time, the fitting is also resistant to saltwater damages. Hence, you can guarantee it won’t rust even when used with salty or hard water.
Check the latest price of Plastair SpringHose Recoil Hose here.
ORBIT COILED GARDEN HOSE
Orbit is one of the top US brands in the retail watering industry. From different irrigation to timers and controller systems this brand got it all. And so quality coiled garden hoses are no exemption.
The Orbit coiled hose is available in both 25 and 50 feet lengths. It comes in 3 fun colors including green, blue, and gray. The hose itself has a standard diameter measurement of 3/8 of an inch.
The kit already includes a pressure-adjustable pistol spray gun. It has an ergonomically designed grip handle that fits the natural ridges of fingers. It also comes with a latch lock to maintain a steady flow of water. Moreover, it offers a little bit extra with its 8-pattern water flow feature.
Check the latest price of Orbit Coil Garden Hose here.
Wrapping Up about Coiled Garden Hose
Coiled garden hoses are the way to go for kink-free watering. Yes, it may not be as big and as long as the traditional garden hoses. But, it is tough enough to perform any watering chores with ease. And that makes this compact yet effective hose a great garden companion for any household.
