Expert Gardener Light Duty Review

One of the most unassuming hoses we tested is the Expert Gardener. While it doesn't have any fancy bells or whistles, it still does what you need a hose to do, all while offering a great price point.

Convenience

We tested the Expert Gardener hose in the 25-foot length option, and this shorter length was the main reason that the hose was subjectively easy to use. Given the price point, we were satisfied with its functionality. However, if you're seeking an option that you can drag across the yard and use year after year, it may be wise to consider other models and be prepared to invest a bit more money.

The Expert Gardener was moderately easy to coil and uncoil. Its thin rubber material falls in the middle of the pack in terms of weight, and it was relatively manageable to move about. We also found that it contributed to relatively high amounts of kinking, which would completely stop the flow of water. It frequently kinked, just dragging it around different obstacles in our yard or directly out of a coil.

The connector on the Expert Gardener was easy to use. There are large flanged plastic pieces on the connector that help you screw it onto a spigot and hand-tighten. The connector also spun freely around the hose body.

Performance

The Expert Gardener accomplishes the basics of what a hose is designed to do — move water from one place to another without leaking. Beyond that, it doesn't stand out.

We didn't experience any leaks when using the Expert Gardener. The connector, though not one of the most impressive styles that we tested, does its job well. It did pull out of a coil fairly well, although it tended to lie in slight loops and coils as opposed to lying flat on the ground. In use, it kinks an unfortunate amount, and after our manual kink test, it developed a permanent crease in the material where we were kinking it after only a few dozen repetitions. Still, for light use, such as washing the car or watering plants on a patio, this is unlikely to negatively affect performance beyond being an inconvenience.

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Construction Quality

The quality of construction is about what you would expect from a budget-friendly hose, but we didn't note any performance-altering concerns on the Expert Gardener.

The connectors are made of plastic, which, although guaranteed not to rust, may not withstand cold weather environments. The hose material is on the thinner side, and we noticed a permanent crease that developed in certain areas due to repetitive kinking. As long as you don't plan to use and abuse this hose, we think it will work just fine for most people.

Variety of Options

As a budget-conscious hose, the Expert Gardener doesn't stand out with many different styles or models.

The Expert Gardener is available in one diameter, ⅝ inch, and two length options, 25 or 50 feet. It does not include a valve or a nozzle. For light use around the home, for which we think this hose is perfect, not much else is needed. You can pick up an aftermarket nozzle with the money you save on this hose.

Should You Buy the Expert Gardener Light Duty?

The Expert Gardener is a basic and budget-friendly hose that is perfect for people who need a light-duty hose for easy yard chores, as the name suggests. It's a no-frills model that won't stand out for its performance, but it also has no major flaws that will leave you disappointed, especially considering the amazing price point.

What Other Garden Hoses Should You Consider?

If you are attracted to the great price but looking for a hose with a few more options in length, or significantly better performance, we recommend checking out the Teknor Apex Zero-G. We recommend this option to most people, as it offers a great blend of amazing performance at a price that remains appealing to many, and is significantly less than other similar-performing models in our lineup. Ultimately, any of the hoses in our review will most likely be just fine for most people; after all, each of these hoses is quite similar. Another option that stands out, both in terms of design and price, is the Bionic Steel. The Bionic is almost impossible to kink, given its steel design, and it won't break the bank either. Lastly, if the Expert Gardener appeals to you for its size, the Giraffe Tools Hybrid is a convenient hose available in a variety of shorter length options under 20 feet and performs at a much higher level.