A rose by any other name may still be a rose, but sometimes a garden hose is more than just a garden hose. Nearly every homeowner owns at least one garden hose. They’re used to water lawns and gardens, wash cars, hose down driveways and fill pools and water features. While your basic cheap garden hose may work just fine for a season’s worth of use, some homeowners opt for a specialty garden hose that is more durable, delivers more water faster or has a special feature that’s important to them. The best garden hose for your needs is obviously the one that actually meets those needs.

Heated Hose

In some areas of the country, a heated hose is a necessity if you need running water outdoors or in unheated buildings, such as barns and kennels, during the winter months. Heated hoses have an electric heater that warms the length of those to keep water flowing through them in temperatures as low as 0 F. If you routinely fill water troughs or need water to clean kennels or water an ice skating rink, a heated hose will make your life much easier.

Drinking Safe Garden Hose

The interior of a drinking safe garden hose is lined with material approved for food contact by the FDA. They’re commonly marketed as marine hoses, but more and more people are opting for a drinking safe garden hose to water vegetable gardens and for use around their families. When you choose a drinking safe hose, you can be comfortable about your kids grabbing a drink from the hose and be sure that the water you’re pouring on your vegetables isn’t laden with dangerous chemicals.

Coil Garden Hose

A coil garden hose offers convenience to those who only need to reach a limited area and have limited storage space for a garden hose. The tightly coiled spiral shape makes them easy to store and attractive if they’re left out. If coiling your garden hose for storage is a problem and you don’t need more reach than about 10 yards, a coil garden hose may be a good option for your watering needs. Coil garden hoses also eliminate the need for a separate garden hose reel because they essentially coil themselves.

Choosing the best garden hose for your needs may involve looking beyond the typical ½ inch garden hose or ¾ inch garden hose. Consider your options carefully and choose a garden hose that will deliver the benefits you need.