A garden hose is a great addition to any home if you’ve sufficient storage space, the strength to wrangle it, and the patience to coil it around. Well, if you don’t, there is a perfect solution – an expandable hose for pressure washer.
An expandable hose for a pressure washer can stretch three times its normal size when filled with water and shrink when you’re not using it. This flexible hose makes tasks easier and more enjoyable.
However, choosing the best expandable hose for pressure washers can be challenging and time-consuming since there are so many options available in the market. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the 5 best expandable hoses for pressure washers and some crucial tips that will help you make the right buying decision.
Related: Best Stainless Steel Garden Hose
Table of Contents
What is an Expandable Hose?
This is a flexible garden hose capable of expanding up to three times its original length. When you turn the water on, it will expand and will go back to its normal length when you turn it off. The best thing about expandable hoses is that they are easy to store, even when you’re limited in space. It also has less weight than a traditional garden hose.
Types of Expandable Hoses
Latex Core
Some expandable hoses are made of two and others three or four latex layers. Some people think that the strongest expandable hoses have at least a triple layer of latex core, but this may not be true. Sometimes, several layers can affect the hose’s flexibility. However, a triple-layer of latex can withstand high water pressure.
Natural vs. Synthetic Latex
Natural latex is drawn from rubber tree sap. It’s extracted in a similar way to maple syrup. Synthetic latex is laboratory-made, but it’s similar to natural latex. However, synthetic latex tubing is cheaper than natural latex. Most expandable hoses are made of synthetic materials and covered with a nylon shell.
TPC Core
Thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) is another type of material used in expandable hoses. This material is commonly used in industrial tubing and is heat-resistant. It’s durable even when used as a single layer. However, TPC is a bit expensive.
Benefits of Expandable Hoses
Compact and Lightweight
An expandable hose has a compact design since it goes back to its original length when water is turned off. This makes it easy to store, and you don’t need a lot of space to store the hose. Additionally, it’s light in weight, and you won’t struggle when carrying the hose around.
Extendable
An expandable hose is designed to shrink when not in use and expand when the water is on. This makes it easy to transport and store.
Less Likely to Kink
If you’ve used a rubber hose, you understand the problems associated with kinking, tangling, and knotting. Expandable hoses have less chances of kinking than their rubber counterparts since the latex inside is more flexible than hard rubber. However, they can still get tangled when filled with water.
Automatically Drains Water
With an ordinary hose, you have to hold it at several angles to drain water. However, an expandable water hose releases water automatically when the water pressure is turned off.
Related: Best Garden Hose Reel on the Market
Best Expandable Hose for Pressure Washer Buying Guide
Since there are several brands out there, getting an expandable hose that is best for you can be challenging. Therefore, here we’ve provided some crucial factors to help you choose the right garden hose to fulfill your watering needs.
Hose Length and Weight
Hose length differentiates one expandable hose from another. Always ensure that the hose you choose can reach all corners of your garden where you plan to do your washing. (A 200ft garden hose would be perfect)
Also, choose a hose that has a lightweight design and is easy to carry and store.
Couplings
This refers to the point your expandable hose connects to the water supply. You’ll have options like brass, plastic, or aluminum coupling. Plastic is easy to maneuver but less durable, while brass is more durable. The type of connector you choose depends on the type that works for you. Aluminum coupling is durable but cannot be compared to the durability of brass couplings.
Hose Width
The hose width determines the amount of water flow in the hose. Generally, the most common hose widths are ½-inch, 5/8-inch, and ¾-inch. An expandable hose that has a ½-inch diameter can be used for all your gardening and cleaning tasks. However, larger diameter hoses are best suited for heavy and commercial landscapers watering tasks due to the heavy water flow.
Build Quality
The construction techniques used in an expandable hose will determine its performance and durability. Therefore, you should choose one that’s built with quality and durable materials. These hoses come with an outer and inner material, where the interior material is used to improve durability and prevent leakages.
Water Pressure
Expandable hoses are designed to handle water pressure for household use with ease. Having a consistent water flow will enhance the performance of the hose. However, if you’ve high water pressure, then look for an expandable hose that’s rated for high water pressure to prevent leaks.
Nozzle
Most expandable hoses come with a free hose nozzle and sometimes a free storage hook and storage bag. However, most free nozzles are cheaply made and have limited spray options. So, you’ll need to purchase a quality nozzle to suit your watering and cleaning needs.
Storage
Before making a purchase, ensure you have sufficient space to store it. Ensure that your favorite expandable hose will fit in the area you have in mind. Expandable hoses are available in different sizes, and some may take up more space than you have.
Budget
Prices for expandable hoses vary. Some are cheap, while others are a bit expensive. The best expandable hose could be the most expensive one, but this doesn’t mean it will suit your needs. Always consider your budget or the amount of money you want to spend when comparing different expandable hoses.
Warranty
Always go for a product that has favorable warranty terms. This will assure you that the expandable hose you’re about to purchase is long-lasting. Go for a product that has at least a 1-year warranty.
Best Expandable Hose for Pressure Washer Reviews
Flexi Hose with 8 Function Nozzle, Lightweight Expandable Garden Hose
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable expandable hose, this is a great choice. This Flexi Hose comes with a lifetime warranty and has a double latex core and solid brass fittings that make it durable and reliable for most users. It has a hose length of 50 feet and a ¾-inch fitting size. The best thing about this hose is that it does not kink, thanks to its flexible design.
Features
- 50-feet length
- ¾-inch fitting size
- Brass fittings
- Double latex core
Pros
- Kink-free
- lightweight
- Durable design
- Ergonomic and slip-resistant design
- Premium rubber seal
Cons
- The sprayer could be better
TheFitLife Flexible and Expandable Garden Hose
The TheFitLife Flexible and Expandable Garden Hose is one of the best expandable hoses out there. If you own a small lawn, this gardening tool is a great choice since it comes with a 25-feet length.
Although it has solid brass fittings, the best flexible garden hose weighs just 1.8 pounds making it easy to handle. These brass fittings have a ¾-inch size that helps you fit any accessory like an 8-function spray nozzle. What’s more, it comes with a built-in on-off valve that helps control the flow of water.
Features
- Solid brass fittings
- 50 feet length
- Triple-layer latex
- 8 patterns spray nozzle
Pros
- Easy to use
- Tangle-free design
- Premium quality built
- Versatility
- Great customer service
Cons
- Durability is questionable
Aterod 75 feet Expandable Garden Hose
The Aterod 75 feet Expandable Garden Hose is an expandable hose that comes with 75 feet of length and is ideal for medium to large lawns. This hose can expand three times its original size and can retract when the water is turned off. This garden tool comes with a 1-year warranty that guarantees you quality performance. With a ¾-inch fitting size, you can easily connect a 9 function spray nozzle without any hassles.
Features
- 5000D polyester fabric
- 9 functions nozzle
- 75 feet length
Pros
- Durable design
- 1-year warranty
- It comes with a carry bag
- Lightweight and flexible
Cons
- Some users complain about the water pressure
Flexi Hose Lightweight Expandable Garden Hose
This lightweight and expandable garden hose comes with a multi-setting spray nozzle making it ideal for all cleaning tasks. This gardening tool drains quickly and shrinks down to make it easy to transport. With this hose, you won’t have to deal with constant coiling after using the hose.
Features
- 2 layer latex
- High-strength polyester
- 100 feet
- 2 color options
- Premium rubber seal
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Tangle-free
- Leak-proof
- Lightweight and easy to store
Cons
- Durability is questionable
Delxo Water Hose, 100FT Expandable Garden Hose
The Delxo Water Hose, 100 ft expandable garden hose is long enough to reach every corner of your vehicle while still occupies less storage space. Although this flexible garden hose is long, it weighs 5.5 lbs making it lighter than a conventional hose and easy to carry. This hose comes with a plastic protective cover, rubber seals, and a flexible polyester cover fabric that makes it durable and effective.
Features
- 100 feet
- Solid brass fittings
- 2 color options
- ¾-inch brass connectors
- 9 different spray patterns
Pros
- Heavy-duty design
- Lightweight
- Easy to store
- Leak-proof
Cons
- The accessories aren’t the greatest quality
Conclusion
Whether you want to clean your car or want a versatile hose to use in various gardening tasks, an expandable hose is an ideal choice. However, to get the best from an expandable hose, you’ll have to choose the best among several options out there. The above-reviewed products will satisfy all your watering and cleaning needs.
Happy shopping!
