Garden Hose Nozzles – Our Top 9 Picks to Spray Further and Save On Water

The biggest indicator of a good nozzle versus a great nozzle is how well a prospective pick handles various spray patterns, variable spray controls, and flow control. Many of the nozzles on our list utilize a simple brass knob to adjust the amount of water allowed into the nozzle from the hose. This can help gardeners fine-tune their water flow so as to not damage their plants in the watering process, and water everything necessary in their landscaping. These brass nozzles are also often equipped with a variable spray control, and the difference between a variable spray and a dedicated pattern is important to note.

You’ll want to make sure, though, that either the spray pattern or the flow control is going to give you the type of water stream you’re looking for in a garden nozzle. Those who want more powerful sprays will better appreciate a variable spray from a brass nozzle, and those who need more control over the flow and pattern for delicate plants may prefer several distinct spray patterns offered by nozzles like the Melnor or SprayTec picks.

Most garden nozzles are either equipped with a variable spray pattern or several dedicated patterns to which they can be switched. Marking the difference between the two is especially important for those who want to maximize what their garden nozzle can do.

Variable spray nozzles, like the Dradco nozzle on our list, adjust their spray based on minute changes you make to the rotation of the nozzle. More often than not, these spray nozzles offer the difference between a wider, softer, and cone-shaped spray, and a more direct, straightforward jet spray. We’ve made sure to notate which options are available on our picks in the Overview above. For others, the dedicated spray patterns offered by various nozzles make it easy to swap back and forth without having to rotate a nozzle several times. These spray patterns “lock” into place, often with a setting wheel at the end of the nozzle. These options are certainly more involved than variable sprays—such as shower, soaker, or mist options—but the plastic parts in these nozzles can decay much faster than variable sprays.

Generally speaking, you may prefer a spray pattern nozzle for garden usage and a variable spray nozzle for garden and general use, such as washing a car. There’s a lot of overlap, however, so to help you decide we recommend you consider the following pros and cons:

Finally, some of the extra features that are lesser-discussed when it comes to garden nozzle may help you decide between a few frontrunners. A good example of a great extra feature comes from our pick from QSUBFPYK. This garden nozzle comes with a place to add foam or soap to aid in washing cars and pets. It may not be for everyone, and particularly not for those who only seek to water plants, but the option is certainly nice to have.

Other garden nozzles work to offset the pain of holding down the trigger with either an ergonomic handle or a trigger lock. Many of our garden nozzle picks utilize trigger locks, but some, such as the offering from Green Mount, use a different type of trigger entirely to offset any soreness in the hands. You’ll want to keep a close eye out for these extra features, and other goodies that may be of use in the future, such as extra washers or an adaptor for a different-sized garden hose. These small caveats may make or break a pick for you.

If you’re still struggling to make a decision, our Frequently Asked Questions section should be able to help you find the perfect garden nozzle for your home.

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• You don’t have to sleep warm to benefit from a cooling pillow. Cooling pillows are perfect for anyone who struggles to sleep, whether this is due to insomnia, night sweats, hot flashes, or even stress and anxiety. Having a cooling pillow on which to rest your head has been clinically proven to help promote healthy sleep, no matter the climate.

• Are brass nozzles best? Why should I avoid plastic nozzles?

• Some garden nozzles on our list, such as the Dradco HN-70, are made with an all-brass construction. Others, like the Melnor 65040-AMZ XT, offer metal internal parts and plastic outer parts, such as triggers. If you’re aiming to purchase a garden nozzle that lasts the longest and nearly never leaks, your best option is going to be a brass or metal nozzle. These nozzles are designed to stand the test of time, and are often coated with powder or nylon to protect them from the elements. If you aren’t too careful about leaving them out in the rain, though, they can rust.

  Plastic nozzles are going to be more affordable but generally of lower quality. Plastics tend to break down when put under the stress of water pressure over an extended period of time. Many manufacturers, however, opt for metal internals and plastic externals. This design allows for a nozzle that wards off rusting but lasts much longer. We think that metal nozzles—or, nozzles with metal internals that touch the water—are your best bet for a long-lasting purchase.

• How many/which spray patterns do I need?

• We’ve covered this subject a bit in our Buyer’s Guide, but generally speaking, you’ll want to match the spray pattern to your needs. For example, if you’re hoping to water flowers and fragile plants like blossoms, you may want to invest in a nozzle with a shower or mist option. These nozzles force water to be gentler and less abrasive.

  At the opposite side of the spectrum, many people use their garden nozzles on far more than plants. If you hope to wash your car, for instance, you may want to make sure your prospective nozzle offers a jet or spray feature to offer the highest amount of reach and pressure possible. Other spray patterns can work to solve other issues. For example, cone-shaped spray patterns allow botanists and garden enthusiasts to spray dozens of plants at once.

  We recommend you take the time to think about the spray nozzle types and the types of patterns you can see needing in the future. The more options, the better, but many people find that any more than four or five spray patterns is more than enough for most uses.

• Do these nozzles increase water pressure?

• Contrary to popular belief, any of the garden nozzles on our list aren’t going to be able to adjust your water pressure. The amount of water that comes out of any nozzle is going to depend in large part on the water pressure of your home. Garden nozzles, though, help water reach far distances by modifying the pathway out of the nozzle. This tight space forces the water out of the nozzle, which may seem like a pressure increase. And in some respect it is. However, if you’re having issues with pressure at your home, even the best garden nozzles will only do so much. We recommend you invest in a nozzle that includes a jet offering at the least to help you reach the furthest distance possible with your water.