One of the best ways to make sure your lawn, vegetable garden, or flower beds are getting the attention they need is to use a garden sprinkler. They’re simple, effective, take care and maintenance easier and less time-consuming.
There are a lot of great options when it comes to the best garden sprinklers. They come with different watering patterns, materials, and price points. There are plenty of options available so you can find the right fit for your yard.
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How to Choose a Garden Sprinkler?
The most important things to think about when choosing a garden sprinkler are the area that it covers and the spray pattern.
Some of these products are designed to water smaller spaces, like gardens and flower beds, while others can cover most or all of your lawn.
If you’re planning to use your sprinkler on new growth or a delicate flower garden, it’s also a good idea to consider whether or not you can use low water pressure to prevent damage.
There are also sprinklers designed to protect your yard from intruders, like raccoons or rabbits who might be causing havoc in your garden.
If you’re looking for a sprinkler like this, choose one that has a reliable motion sensor with adjustable settings so you can turn it off when it’s not needed.
The Best Sprinklers For Your Gardens & Lawns
When it comes to choosing the right sprinkler for your lawn, there are a lot of reliable and easy-to-use options out there. Here are some of the best options available.
This 360-degree rotating lawn sprinkler provides maximum exposure for your law and is also environmentally friendly.
It provides an even layer of water without putting out any wasteful excess. The nozzles are fully adjustable and can spray in any direction so you can customize it in your own backyard.
Setup is easy, just attach the hose to the quick-connector and place it wherever you want to start watering. The rotation speed is easily slowed down or sped up simply by adjusting the water pressure coming from the hose.
Pros
This sprinkler produces 80 PSI water pressure and a 32.8-feet spraying distance for maximum coverage.
It has a weighted base to keep it in place so that it doesn’t move around.
The high-quality ABS plastic and rust-proof polymer construction are built to last and deliver worry-free performance.
These sprinklers are versatile enough to water your lawn and be used as a fun sprinkler set for your kids to cool off on a hot summer day.
Cons
Some users reported that this sprinkler broke after only a few uses.
2. Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler
If you’re looking for a brass impact sprinkler, take a look at this one from Rain Bird.
It’s constructed of brass, bronze, and stainless steel and is much more durable than standard zinc sprinklers plus it produces the classic brass impact sound so you know when your lawn is being watered.
This sprinkler is actually based on Rain Bird’s original impulse sprinkler design from 1933, upgraded with the durability of modern engineering.
Pros
This sprinkler can cover a full 360-degree circle or adjust to between 20 and 340-degrees with infinite pattern adjustment so you can adjust it to water only your lawn and not the sidewalk or driveway.
The spray distance is adjustable from a 20 to a 41-foot radius and can cover up to 5,200 square feet.
A convenient diffuser screw breaks water down into smaller droplets which allow for uniform distribution and up to a 25% radius reduction.
The white bronze spray arm controls the water stream, conserving water when possible and preventing side splash onto driveways, sidewalks, and streets.
Cons
This sprinkler can get stuck in one position over time.
It won’t work with a low-pressure water system.
3. Sun Joe SJI-OMS16 Indestructible Metal Base Oscillating Sprinkler
This oscillating sprinkler from Sun Joe is an extremely versatile design that covers a wide area. It features completely customizable coverage patterns and leak-resistant parts so you can water without waste.
You can adjust the width and range using a simple slider system and it includes an onboard cleaning tool to make sure the nozzles stay clean for dependable operation, year after year. That’s not all, it’s even covered with a 2-year warranty.
Pros
This sprinkler covers up to 3,600 square feet with precise and customizable coverage patterns.
Leak-resistance connections and 16 clog-resistant nozzles make sure you get full coverage without wasting extra water.
The extra-large solid-metal base is indestructible and provides stability to prevent the sprinkler from moving around when in operation.
A large thumb wheel makes it really easy to attach an ordinary garden hose for quick and easy setup.
Cons
Although the frame is made of durable cast metal, the mechanism is made of plastic and isn’t as durable.
4. Melnor XT Metal Oscillating Lawn Sprinkler
One of the most versatile sprinklers around it this one from Melnor. The TwinTouch control system adjusts both the width and range of the watering pattern so it can be adjusted to cover your whole yard or just a narrow flower bed or garden.
This product is easy to set up and adjust plus it features an Infinity Turbo Drive for smooth operation which helps extend the life of the sprinkler. In fact, it’s actually covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
This sprinkler features 20 precision nozzles and provides coverage up to 4,200 square feet.
For even more control, the Zoom feature adjusts the overall watering area from a small patch of newly seeded grass to a large area of your lawn.
The smooth oscillating pattern provides even coverage and prevents puddling to help eliminate waste.
It comes with a nozzle cleaning tool to prevent clogs to maintain accurate water flow.
Cons
This sprinkler is made of plastic and not very durable.
For a sprinkler that’s designed to protect your yard rather than water it, check out this motion-activated option from Orbit.
It features a 35-foot adjustable impact sprinkler and a 30-minute timer watering setting for an effective and humane pest deterrent for your yard.
Whether you’re trying to keep raccoons away from your compost at night or rabbits away from your garden during the day, this sprinkler is the perfect deterrent.
It detects intruders from up to 40 feet away and provides 1,600 square feet of coverage.
Pros
The intelligent sensing technology balances optimal water delivery with battery conservation.
You can adjust the 120-degree sensor to be activated at night only, day only, or at any time depending on what pests you’re trying to keep away.
The sensor runs on four AA batteries which should last for about 7,500 activation cycles.
The stable metal tripod extends to 54 inches for easy adjustments as your plants grow.
Cons
The sensor may not always work accurately.
Some of the parts are made of plastic and may leak.
6. Kadaon Lawn Sprinkler Automatic Garden Water Sprinklers
One of the great things about this lawn sprinkler from Kadaon is that you can tailor the water density, size, and scope so it’s right for your yard for a targeted application that saves water. It can also be used with low-pressure water for a smaller coverage area.
This sprinkler is made of durable ABS plastic and is corrosion resistant. This versatile sprinkler can also be used as a fun way for your kids to play in the water on a hot, summer day.
Pros
This sprinkler covers up to 3600 square feet and is the perfect size for medium to large lawns.
Each of the three arms of the sprayer has four nozzles which provide even coverage.
Although it’s small and lightweight, it’s effective at producing a wide spray that’s ideal for watering your lawn or letting your kids play.
This product is one of the least expensive options on our list.
Cons
This product does not come with an adapter that might be needed to attach older hoses.
7. Gardena 1951 Small Area Garden Spray Sprinkler On Spike
This spray sprinkler from Gardena has a simple and convenient design, that’s easy to use and provides just the right amount of coverage for a small garden. The quick-connect adapter is easy to set up attaches to most garden hoses.
One of the great things about this sprinkler is the spiked bottom. It allows you to place the sprinkler exactly where you need it for versatility and precision. It’s a great choice for small flower gardens or vegetable beds.
Pros
This product is covered by 12-month parts and labor warranty for repair or replacement, free of charge.
A small but effective sprinkler covers up to 1,000 square feet and a 36-foot maximum diameter.
If you need to water an even smaller area, you can adjust the spray by turning down the pressure on the hose.
This sprinkler has a gentle spray that’s gentle on even fragile seedlings and plants.
Cons
The spike is made of plastic and can break with use over time.
8. Gilmour Circle Pattern Twin Spot Sprinkler
This simple sprinkle from Gilmour was built to last. The metal design features two spray openings for wider coverage and attaches easily to most hoses. You can use it with high or low water pressure to control the spray.
Set up is really easy, just attach the hose and place the small sprinkler right where you need it to water. It’s ideal for small flower beds or circular lawns and gentle enough for newly seeded grass.
Pros
This product is made of heavy-duty die-cast zinc that’s impact-resistant and designed to last for a long time.
The spray can be adjusted by simply increasing or decreasing the water pressure and it covers a maximum of 707 square feet with a 30-foot diameter circular spray pattern.
This sprinkler has two openings that won’t clog, even with frequent use.
It’s covered by a 3-year warranty.
Cons
This lightweight product doesn’t stay in place reliably with high water pressure.
Low water pressure doesn’t always provide an effective spray.
9. Nelson 818653-1001 Traveling Sprinkler RainTrain
If you didn’t know that sprinklers could travel around your lawn, now you do. This unique design helps you take care of your entire yard using the power of water to propel it along a customized path.
Because it’s mobile, this product covers a larger area than other sprinklers and is a great choice if you have a large yard.
All you have to do is set it at the starting point, turn it on, and let it go. It’s reliable, tough, and covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
This moving sprinkler covers up to 13,500 square feet total to cover your whole lawn.
Just set up a customized path with the hose and the sprinkler will follow it up to 200 feet.
It features a durable cast-iron body with a chip-resistant, powder coat and adjustable aluminum spray arms that cover between 15 and 55 feet in diameter.
The sprinkler follows the path to the shut-off ramp and then automatically turns off to prevent any wasted water.
Cons
Depending on water pressure, this sprinkler can travel very slowly and get stuck in the mud.
10. Melnor XT Mini-Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
The compact design of this oscillating sprinkler provides the coverage of a larger sprinkler in a small, easy-to-use design. You can easily adjust the pattern using simple operating tabs and one-touch adjustment controls.
Another great thing about this sprinkler is that you can make micro-adjustments to optimize the watering pattern so it’s exactly what you need. In fact, you can rotate the sprinkler a full 360 degrees.
Pros
The watering pattern can be adjusted from 10 to 75 feet and can be adjusted to the left, right, or center.
This unit was designed with a flow-through base so that you can connect several units together to cover a larger area.
The smooth operating infinity turbo motor works with both low and high pressures and has transmission gearing for extended life.
It covers a maximum of 3,900 square feet and can be adjusted to cover an area from 75 feet to only 15 feet long.
Cons
This sprinkler is made of plastic and can break with frequent use.
This product produces an impressive 80 PSI of water pressure and has a 32.8-feet spraying distance that can cover most lawns and gardens.
You can make a lot of adjustments to this sprinkler, too. Customize the nozzles for your own backyard then adjust the water pressure to speed up or slow down rotation speed.
A weighted base keeps the sprinkler in place and the high-quality ABS plastic and rust-proof polymer construction are built to last.
How Does a Garden Sprinkler Work?
Garden sprinklers like these are a cost-effective and easy-to-use alternative to expensive in-ground sprinklers or irrigation systems. The average homeowner doesn’t need something that involved which is why inexpensive sprinklers like these are so attractive.
All of these sprinklers work a little differently depending on the mechanism used to distribute the water. Some use wheels that spin while others stick to classic oscillating design but the thing they have in common is they all use water to power movement.
Inside of most of these sprinklers is a circular or oscillating arm, a bracket with a regular cam to adjust the spray, a mechanical motor, and a way for the sprinkler to connect to the hose. When the water is turned on, it spins a turbine which turns the gears to control the path and force of the water.
Other Styles
There are a few other sprinkler styles we included in our list that are worth a mention.
Plain and simple. There are some really simple options out there that don’t have any moving internal parts at all and rely on the shape of the sprinkler to force the water out in a pattern that effectively covers your lawn. These sprinklers aren’t as customizable but they are great for water small areas.
Traveling sprinklers. We included a traveling sprinkler that actually moves around your yard, following the path you set out with the hose and using water pressure to propel them along. The pressure pushes against internal arms to generate torque which then rotates the worm gear.
Next, the worm gear engages the transmission, driving the axel and turning the sprinkler’s rear wheels. These sprinklers move pretty slowly but can be really effective if used correctly.
Motion sensor. If you want a sprinkler that’s designed to help deter invaders from your yard, choose one with a motion sensor. When the system picks up any activity, it will shoot a burst of water to scare away any animals without hurting or harming them.
How to Install Garden Sprinkler System?
The installation of these sprinkler systems is pretty easy. They all use a regular garden hose instead of underground water pipes which are much more expensive and complicated to install. All you have to do is attach them to the hose and turn on the water.
What’s a little more complicated with these simple sprinklers is adjusting the spray to get the coverage you need.
For single-dial sprinklers, you can usually switch the spray from left, center, or right orientation. This doesn’t give you a lot of options but it does prevent unnecessary watering of sidewalks and driveways.
Dual-adjustment sprinklers allow you to set a more precise path using a plus and minus control to increase and decrease the amount of water on each side of the sprinkler.
Some of these sprinklers are a little more complicated to adjust. The controls themselves are pretty simple but getting them to cover the right area can involve a lot of tweaking.
Tips and Tricks
When trying to get the perfect coverage area, make small, frequent adjustments until you get the path just right. Be patient because it could take a while to get it just right.
While these sprinklers work well with minimal supervision, you should make sure it’s working properly before walking away. If it isn’t oscillating or rotating properly, you may end up with a mess on your hands.
The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning because you’ll lose less moisture to evaporation, wasting less water.
In order to make sure your lawn and garden are getting the right amount of moisture, it helps to know what kind of soil you have. Sandy soils lose water faster than clay soils and will need watering more frequently.
Conclusion
When it comes to taking care of your lawn or garden, using the best garden sprinkler system is one thing you can do to make it a little easier on yourself. With so many options available, you’ll be able to find one that suits your yard just right.
The products that we included in this review are easy to use and extremely effective. Whether you’re looking for something to water your whole lawn or want to make sure your flower beds or vegetable garden get enough water in the hot summer, you’ll find something that suits you.
Best of all, these simple sprinklers are just a fraction of the cost of an expensive in-ground system and can be installed without any mess. They really are the best of both worlds. You get the simplicity of an automatic sprinkler system without a huge financial investment.
GrowGreen Garden Sprinkler 360 Degree Rotating Lawn Sprinkler… Just a note for those who may not understand these principals. Your statement saying, “Pros
This sprinkler produces 80 PSI water pressure and a 32.8-feet spraying distance for maximum coverage.” The statement is incorrect!! Unless there is a pump of some type in the sprinkler itself you cannot increase the pressure. Without some kind of added external power being added to operate a pump you cannot increase the pressure. You can change the velocity the water is traveling at but that is not increasing the pressure. Neither Amazon nor the manufacturer makes such a statement. So if you are in an area or situation that you have to deal with low water pressure, do not buy this product expecting it to increase pressure and add distance to your water travel!
GrowGreen Garden Sprinkler 360 Degree Rotating Lawn Sprinkler… Just a note for those who may not understand these principals. Your statement saying, “Pros
This sprinkler produces 80 PSI water pressure and a 32.8-feet spraying distance for maximum coverage.” The statement is incorrect!! Unless there is a pump of some type in the sprinkler itself you cannot increase the pressure. Without some kind of added external power being added to operate a pump you cannot increase the pressure. You can change the velocity the water is traveling at but that is not increasing the pressure. Neither Amazon nor the manufacturer makes such a statement. So if you are in an area or situation that you have to deal with low water pressure, do not buy this product expecting it to increase pressure and add distance to your water travel!