The Dramm water breaker is the best all round nozzle for serious gardeners. It can be attached to a wand to reach plants easily and dispenses a soft stream of water so you can water right up to a pot plant without washing out all the potting mix. It has an aluminium head which will last forever but makes it more expensive than a plastic version. Dramm wand and aluminium head cost about $68 (60cm (24″) aluminium wand is $44 plus the aluminium head is $24). A plastic nozzle (Dramm plastic head is $13.95 or Pope adjustable spray rose is $12) will do the same job but could break if dropped on a concrete driveway or footpath.
Patterned plastic nozzle
There are various plastic nozzles with different patterned sprays and functions starting from $9.95. However they sometimes have a valve to stop the water coming out without turning it off at the tap. These devices could damage a hose more than a year old by blowing it apart. Always turn the hose off at the tap.
Standard hose fitting
The pistol type of adjustable nozzle that comes with most hoses is ideal for washing dirt off from under mud guards or clearing and cleaning a path. But it is useless in the garden because the spray is too fine and the spread is too wide to effectively water plants and when the nozzle is closed the spray is too intense and washes plants away.
Power jet
This nozzle produces a powerful jet of water that would easily knock the paint off walls. A high pressure jet of water is ideal for cleaning concrete without wasting water so this nozzle is ideal and costs $8.95.
Oblong rose nozzle
Another alternative to the Dramm water breaker is an oblong rose nozzle that is cheaper at $21.95 and produces a gentle stream of water.
Further information
Most of the nozzles are available from most hardware, nurseries and variety stores. The Dramm water breaker is available from good garden centres, BBC hardware throughout Australia, and by mail order from:
* Products of Excellence Pty. Ltd, Unit 13, 28 Smith Street, Chatswood, NSW, 2067. Phone: (02) 9417 0277, Fax (02) 9417 0430.