A surefire way to get the most out of your garden hose is by purchasing a hose nozzle. The best hose nozzles are affordable, easy-to-use tools that significantly improve outdoor tasks, from gardening to vehicle maintenance. With five spray patterns and durable metal parts, the Gardena Premium Multi Sprayer is our favorite hose nozzle overall, as it helps tackle multiple jobs in the yard. It’s strong enough to rinse leaves off a driveway and then, with the turn of a dial, gentle enough to wash a muddy pet.
When hooked up to a reliable garden hose, a nozzle “gives me greater control over the water flow and placement,” says Donna Letier, co-founder and CEO of Gardenuity. She recommends using a hose nozzle when watering plant containers, especially in tight or awkward places, but the convenience doesn’t end there. “I use my hose nozzle when I’m cleaning my patio and grill or filling my daughter’s kiddie pool,” she says. Below, we’ve rounded up the most reliable hose nozzles in several different styles and prices to make outdoor chores stress-free.
Best Hose Nozzle Overall: Gardena Premium Multi Sprayer
Best Budget Hose Nozzle: Viking 8-Pattern Hand Control Hose Nozzle
Best Hose Nozzle For Plants: Orbit Max 8-Pattern Nozzle
Best High-Pressure Hose Nozzle: Gilmour Professional Classic Fireman’s Nozzle
Best Wand Hose Nozzle: Orbit Max 8-Pattern Rear Trigger Garden Hose Wand
Best Hose Nozzle For Car Washing: Melnor 7-Pattern Adjustable Heavy-Duty Hose Nozzle
Best Brass Hose Nozzle: Dramm Adjustable Brass Hose Nozzle
Best Pistol Hose Nozzle: Gilmour Metal Pistol Nozzle With Threaded Tip
Best Hose Nozzle Overall
A Long-Lasting Option With Excellent Water Pressure
Gardena Premium Multi Sprayer
Materials: Metal and plastic |Dimensions:8.9 x 8.7 x 3.9 inches|Style: Dial |Spray patterns: 5
Pros:
- Water pressure is adjustable
- Comfortable in hand
- Frost-proof exterior
Cons:
- Not the widest array of spray settings
- Slightly pricier than average
No matter what the weather throws at it, the Gardena Premium Multi Sprayer offers years of use thanks to its high-quality design. It has a metal quick-connect fitting at the bottom of the handle, which is sturdier and better at preventing leaks than plastic. Once hooked up to a hose, users can choose between five spray patterns ranging from “Fine Mist” to “Hard Jet.” The spray head covers a vast area, which is handy for lawn care, yet it can easily be switched to a strong and precise stream when extra water pressure is needed.
Best Budget Hose Nozzle
An All-Purpose Nozzle That's Easy To Attach
Viking 8-Pattern Hand Control Hose Nozzle
Materials: Metal, rubber and plastic |Dimensions:9 x 6 x 3 inches|Style: Dial |Spray patterns:8
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to attach and squeeze
Cons:
- Occasionally leaks near handle
This multi-faceted hose nozzle has eight spray settings, which is more than what most expensive nozzles offer. The wide-spray settings are great for vegetable gardens and flower beds, while the precise ones provide enough pressure to clean a car or front porch. The nozzle is comfortable to hold thanks to an ergonomic grip covered in rubber. It comes at an affordable price.
Best Hose Nozzle For Plants
A Versatile Pick To Water Any Type Of Plant
Materials: Zinc and thermo-plastic rubber |Dimensions:Not specified |Style: Dial |Spray patterns: 8
Pros:
- Strong water pressure
- Better for arthritis than a trigger handle
Cons:
- Thumb-control lever may get harder to push over time
With eight spray settings, the Orbit Max 8-Pattern Nozzle is suitable for all outdoor plants, whether you need to drench the soil under a row of shrubs or gently mist a flower bed. Some parts, like the dial and thumb-control lever, can become stiff if left out in inclement weather for long periods; aside from that, the nozzle is well-made and easy to use. It’s also reasonably priced and well-reviewed by customers. “I am a big fan of container gardens, and using a hose nozzle can help with precision watering,” says Letier.
Best High-Pressure Hose Nozzle
A Powerful Option Worthy Of Professional Use
Gilmour Professional Classic Fireman’s Nozzle
Materials: Die-cast zinc |Dimensions:3.4 x 4.9 x 9.2 inches|Style: Fireman |Spray patterns:1
Pros:
- Sold by numerous retailers
- Reasonably priced
- Helps accomplish several home tasks
Cons:
- The zinc exterior can crack if dropped
- Not very handy for gardening
At 250 PSI, this fireman-style nozzle maximizes the water pressure from just about any garden hose. It’s the perfect attachment for cleaning the car or power washing fixtures around the house, like a deck, fence or driveway. Versatility is limited, as it only sprays in a jet-like pattern, but the water pressure can be adjusted from strong to gentle.
Best Wand Hose Nozzle
An Extra Long Device To Cover Every Nook And Cranny
Orbit Max 8-Pattern Rear Trigger Garden Hose Wand
Materials: Zinc and thermo-plastic rubber |Dimensions:Not specified |Style: Wand |Spray patterns: 8
Pros:
- Provides extra reach and coverage
- Adjustable spray head
- Thumb-control lever is comfortable and easy to use
Cons:
- Pole length can’t be adjustable
- Generally requires two hands to use
Wand nozzles are designed for hard-to-reach places like hanging plants, the undersides of cars and lawn mowers or high up on a house’s siding. This one is thre feet long yet easy to maneuver for various tasks. It boasts eight spray patterns—all of which are clearly labeled—including light mists and strong jet streams. Despite the added length, it’s about the same price as a standard hose nozzle.
Best Hose Nozzle For Car Washing
A Classic Trigger-Grip Nozzle That Stands Up To Dirty Vehicles
Melnor 7-Pattern Adjustable Heavy-Duty Hose Nozzle
Materials: Metal, plastic and rubber |Dimensions:2.3 x 5.2 x 6.3 inches|Style: Dial |Spray patterns: 7
Pros:
- Strong water pressure
- Easy to attach and remove from hose
Cons:
- Occasionally leaks from handle
- Slightly heavier than average
Melnor’s 7-Pattern Adjustable Hose Nozzle has the power, precision and versatility to clean every part of a car’s exterior. Settings like “Jet” and “Flat” can cut through built-up grime on hubcaps, while a wide-spray option like “Shower” quickly rinses off soap suds. The nozzle is useful for other outdoor chores, of course. Due to its integration of heavy-duty metal parts, it’s an item you can purchase cheaply and keep for years.
Best Brass Hose Nozzle
A Durable Brass Option With A Timeless Design
Dramm Adjustable Brass Hose Nozzle
Materials: Brass |Dimensions:1 x 1 x 3 inches |Style: Traditional |Spray patterns:1
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to attach, use and store
- Doesn’t require constant squeezing to work
Cons:
- Price varies widely by retailer
Dramm avoids plastic parts and uses pure brass for this three-inch nozzle, allowing it to withstand the elements and fit flush against a garden hose so it doesn’t leak. The flow of water can quickly and easily be adjusted by twisting the barrel. Though seemingly simple, this nozzle is a budget-priced gardening accessory that sticks around for years and years.
Best Pistol Hose Nozzle
A Hassle-Free Pick For Any Yardwork Task
Gilmour Metal Pistol Nozzle With Threaded Tip
Materials: Metal |Dimensions:1.2 x 5.2 x 6.9 inches |Style: Pistol |Spray patterns:1
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to find at multiple retailers
- Adjustable clip lets it spray without squeezing the trigger
Cons:
- Metal construction feels less sturdy than other options
Pistol-style hose nozzles come in several designs, but this Gilmour model is the quintessential look. It’s stripped down and simplified to have fewer breakable parts and, in turn, last for years. Simply attach it to a garden hose and pull the trigger to water plants or clear debris from the driveway. The diameter of the water can be just adjusted by turning a small dial on the back of the nozzle.
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editors have tested, researched and reviewed various outdoor tools and gear, including the best garden hoses, the best lawn mowers and the best watering cans.
- The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
- Author of this piece Derek Rose is a regular Forbes Vetted contributor with extensive experience covering home, lifestyle and outdoor topics. He also writes for the home services website Angi, where he frequently covers articles on gardening and landscaping.
- Rose spoke with Donna Letier, co-founder and CEO of Gardenuity, to gain valuable insight on garden hose nozzles. In addition to selling various garden supplies, Gardenuity makes custom garden kits and offers expert guidance throughout the growing process.
How We Chose The Best Hose Nozzles
To track down the best hose nozzles, we pored over customer reviews, researched key specifications and consulted our experienced staffers for recommendations.
- Our home and kitchen editorial team researched hose nozzles from trusted manufacturers like Gardena, Dramm, Orbit and Gilmour.
- We analyzed and compared features like PSI, spray patterns, trigger styles and materials.
- We interviewed Letier for insight on the applicability of hose nozzles, how to use them when gardening and what to look for when buying one.
- We only considered products with an average rating of 4 stars or higher and avoided products with consistent issues like breaking or leaking.
- The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
What To Look For In The Best Hose Nozzles
Even though hose nozzles broadly serve the same purpose, they come in various styles and materials and are sometimes better suited for different chores. Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know before buying a hose nozzle.
Spray Patterns
Many hose nozzles can alternate between a variety of spray patterns. This provides more versatility than a single jet of water and allows one nozzle to suit various tasks. It’s also helpful for gardeners depending on the type of plant they’re watering. “I use the gentle mist setting when my plants are young,” says Letier. “The light spray ensures the soil remains moist without hurting the roots.” For other plants, a more robust spray pattern helps to soak the soil.
Grip And Trigger Style
Two other important characteristics to consider are how comfortably a hose nozzle fits in your hand and how easy it is to spray. Most grips are ergonomically grooved; some are coated in plastic, which is slightly more comfortable yet less durable than metal. Regarding trigger style, the most common type needs to be squeezed with your entire palm. Other options require squeezing a trigger with your index finger, pushing a lever with your thumb or pulling a large lever back with your whole hand.
Materials
Hose nozzles have to survive all sorts of weather and precipitation, as well as being dropped and thrown around. Ideally, a hose nozzle lasts multiple years without rusting, cracking or leaking. Metals like steel, zinc and brass are the most durable materials in which you can find a hose nozzle. They cost more than plastic, but it’s usually worth it.
PSI
PSI stands for “pounds per square inch” and measures pressure. When it comes to hoses, a higher PSI means stronger water pressure. Most hose nozzles have a maximum PSI, meaning that, at a certain point, the water pressure reaches a cutoff point. If you primarily plan to use a hose nozzle for gardening purposes, a low PSI should suffice. A higher PSI, like something over 100 PSI, is more useful for pressure washing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Best Hose Nozzle?
The best hose nozzle largely depends on the customer. Some prioritize a medley of features, while others prefer simplicity. Some would rather pay for an expensive metal nozzle than gamble on a cheap plastic option. Then, the individual tasks you plan to use a hose nozzle for come into play. We think theGardena Premium Multi Sprayer is a terrific all-around pick because it excels in many different areas. It’s durable, easy to use and provides consistently intense water pressure.
How Do I Get The Most Pressure Out Of My Garden Hose?
Purchasing a high-pressure hose nozzle is an easy way to get the most water pressure out of your garden hose. Other ways to increase your water pressure are more expensive and time-intensive; examples include buying a more powerful garden hose, altering the hose’s water source, replacing the spigot or using a water pressure booster pump. If you think your garden hose should be producing more pressure than it currently is, check it for kinks, leaks or clogs.
How Do I Remove A Stuck Hose Nozzle?
Every so often, a nozzle gets stuck to a garden hose and becomes too difficult to remove by hand. If you’re facing this dilemma, try unscrewing it with a tool that affords a stronger grip, like a wrench or pair of pliers. Using a lubricant like WD-40 also helps. If that fails, the next option is to expose the hose to differing temperatures. Place the nozzle in cold water and then hot water to see if the metal becomes malleable. Adding vinegar might help, too, as it can break down corrosive elements.
