10 Best Lawn Sprinklers – Reviews & Buying Guide
Your yard has a huge effect on the overall appearance of the home. And it is always one of the first things that most of your guests will notice. Hence, you need to keep it healthy through regular weeding, fertilization, and watering.
While there are many methods of watering your lawn, a sprinkler is still by far the most efficient, reliable and cost-effective.
However, there are also many types of sprinklers out there from the stationary types to the oscillating and pulsating ones.
Also, you can get all these types from various brands and this means that you will have even more options to pick from when choosing the best lawn sprinkler.
But, understanding the factors that define a sprinkler such as the maximum distance, pressure and coverage should make it easier for you to pick the best sprinkler from the many options.
You can also read other product reviews such as Wifi irrigation sprinkler, hose nozzle and sprayer, garden hose wand, hose end sprayer.
10 Best Lawn Sprinklers - Reviews
Whether you have a small or large lawn, a sprinkler is still the most efficient way of watering it. And since there are many types and models to choose from out there, we compare 10 of the top rated lawn sprinklers out there to make picking one a less tedious process.
Product Name | Max Distance | Coverage | Rating | Current Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler | 75 feet | 4,000 sq.ft | 4.2 | |
2. GrowGreen Garden Sprinkler | 32.8 feet | 3,600 sq.ft | 4.6 | |
3. Melnor Impact Lawn Sprinkler | 85 feet | 5,600 sq.ft | 4.1 | |
4. Orbit 56667N Zinc Impact Sprinkler on Tripod Base | 80 feet | Large Lawns | 4.0 | |
5. Gesentur Lawn Sprinkler | 32.8 feet | Wide coverage | 4.4 | |
6. SommerLand Spot Sprinkler | 30 feet | 2,800 sq.ft | 4.3 | |
7. Melnor Oscillating Sprinkler with Brass Nozzles | 70 feet | 3,400 sq.ft | 3.9 | |
8. Nelson 50956 Eight-Pattern Spray Head Stationary Sprinkler | 25 feet | 1,225 sq.ft | 3.8 | |
9. Gilmour Metal Head Impulse Sprinkler | 86 feet | 5,800 sq.ft | 4.3 | |
10. Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler | 41 feet | 5,200 sq.ft | 4.3 |
#1. Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
Editor's Rating: (4.2 / 5)
- Max Distance: 75 feet
- Coverage: 4,000 sq.ft
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
If you are looking for something with a relatively wide coverage and significantly long spray distance, this Melnor XT Turbo oscillating sprinkler review is for you.
The sprinkler covers up to 4,000 square feet and with a maximum spray distance of 75 feet which will be great for those with medium size lawns. And it has some smooth operating tables that make it easy to control the length of the watering pattern.
The sprinkler comes with a large volume tube that fills with water when in operation to not only ensures a smooth flow of water to the 18 nozzles but also to keep the system stable.
It uses an infinity turbo motor that ensures that you get a smooth operation at both high and low water pressure. And there is also an integrated flow control dial that helps to optimize the watering and reduce water wastage.
Pros:
Cons:
#2. GrowGreen Garden Sprinkler
Editor's Rating: (4.6 / 5)
- Max Pressure: 80 PSI
- Maximum Distance: 32.8 feet
- Coverage: 3,600 sq.ft
- Warranty: Not Available
The durable construction of the GrowGreen garden sprinkler ensures that it can withstand season after season of use so that you will not have to replace it for many years.
This sturdy construction combines high-quality ABS plastic with rust-proof polymer but there is more to it than this. And the 3,600 sq.ft coverage with maximum spray distance of 32.8 feet will be perfect for small and medium size yards.
With this sprinkler, you get full control of the spray direction since the nozzles are fully adjustable. And it is also a multipurpose sprinkler that you can use for fun or to cooling off in the summer heat.
Pros:
Cons:
#3. Melnor Impact Lawn Sprinkler
Editor's Rating: (4.1 / 5)
- Maximum Distance: 85 feet
- Coverage: 5.600 sq.ft
- Warranty: 7-years limited warranty
With this pulsating lawn sprinkler, you get a maximum of 5,600 sq.ft coverage and spray distance of 85 feet which are some of the highest on our lawn sprinkler reviews.
Also, this is a tough lawn sprinkler that will serve you for a long time thanks to the all metal parts which are also non-corrosive. And the manufacturer also backs it with a 7-year warranty to show that it is a long-lasting product.
You can adjust the coverage angle from 20 to 360 degrees or from a partial to a full circle. And the spray is also customizable from a gentle mist to a powerful jet using the diffuser pin.
Pros:
Cons:
#4. Orbit 56667N Zinc Impact Sprinkler on Tripod Base
Editor's Rating: (4 / 5)
- Maximum Distance: 80-feet
- Coverage: Large Lawns
- Warranty: 1-year
For those with a large lawn and prefer the convenience of a sprinkler with a tripod base here is a high-quality one for you.
The sprinkler provides a maximum spray of 80 feet and the tripod base is adjustable from 16 to 37.5 inches to suit various watering conditions. Also, this sprinkler allows the user to adjust the spraying pattern from a partial to full circle.
And it is also quite a tough and durable product thanks to the heavy-duty zinc head. The base of the sprinkler system will connect to standard garden hoses easily using the provided attachment to make this sprinkler quick and easy to setup and use.
Pros:
Cons:
#5. Gesentur Lawn Sprinkler
Editor's Rating: (4.4 / 5)
- Maximum Pressure: 80 PSI
- Maximum Distance: 32.8 feet
- Coverage: Wide coverage
- Warranty: 1-year
The ability of this lawn sprinkler to withstand a pressure of up to 80 PSI makes it ideal for use in most homes. And it also provides efficient lawn watering for up to 32.8 feet.
This smart sprinkler system will come with three arms that have a 360-degree rotating action to ensure quick and efficient watering.
With this sprinkler, you will also get to choose from various sprinkling modes or patterns as the nozzles are adjustable to 90 or 45 degrees.
The ABS plastic and rustproof polymer help to make it highly durable and it also has a sturdy base that will never flip when watering. This sprinkler is also quite multipurpose as you can also use it for other things like roof cooling besides from watering the lawn.
Pros:
Cons:
#6. SommerLand Spot Sprinkler
Editor's Rating: (4.3 / 5)
- Maximum Distance: 30 feet
- Coverage: 2,800 sq.ft
- Warranty: 3-year
The best above ground sprinklers do not have to be expensive to work well. This SommerLand spot sprinkler is the cheapest item on our list but it is still quite efficient for watering small and medium size lawns.
It features a heavy-duty metal construction and it is tough enough to withstand regular use for many years. And it also provides an impressive coverage of 2,800 sq.ft and with a total distance of 30 feet despite its compact size.
This lawn sprinkler will still work well even under low water pressure and it does not tip over easily despite the small size.
Pros:
Cons:
#7. Melnor Oscillating Sprinkler with Brass Nozzles
Editor's Rating: (3.9 / 5)
- Maximum Distance: 70 feet
- Coverage: 3,400 sq.ft
- Warranty: 7-year
Melnor makes some of the best oscillating sprinklers in the market, and this particular model is for someone that is looking for an affordable one.
The oscillating sprinkler will cover up to 3,400 square feet, and it provides a spray range of up to 70 feet which will be great for those with medium size yards.
It comes with 18 precision-drilled brass nozzles that will provide efficient and consistent watering, and the spray they produce is soft and gentle enough even for newly seeded sections.
Although it is still not a completely silent sprinkler, it still provides a relatively quiet operation and it will also come with a built-in watering gauge.
Pros:
Cons:
#8. Nelson 50956 Eight-Pattern Spray Head Stationary Sprinkler
Editor's Rating: (3.8 / 5)
- Max Distance: 25 feet
- Coverage: 1,225 sq.ft
- Warranty: 30-day money back guarantee
Nelson 50956 is one of the best sprinklers for small lawns and also one of the most affordable on our list.
And despite the affordable price tag, it is still a long lasting sprinkler with a sturdy and highly durable decorative metal base. Also, the base has some extra weight to enhance the stability.
There are also 8 pre-set watering patterns on this sprinkler that will make this quite a versatile stationary sprinkler despite its small size.
This sprinkler comes with a soft-grip sleeve on the head that will make it easy to adjust the head pattern.
Pros:
Cons:
#9. Gilmour Metal Head Impulse Sprinkler
Editor's Rating: (4.3 / 5)
- Max Distance: 86 feet
- Coverage: 5,800 sq.ft
- Warranty: Not available
Coverage is always a key determinant of the efficiency and reliability of a sprinkler, and the fact that this will cover up to 5,800 sq.ft makes it an excellent buy.
It has the widest coverage on our list, and although it is also the priciest item it is worth the extra cost as you will never regret owning it.
Some of the most impressive aspects of this sprinkler include the heavy duty die-cast metal base with and brass and zinc head that make it highly durable. Also, it uses a patented impulse arm that saves water by ensuring there is no back and side splash.
The sprinkler also has an adjustable collar that will provide partial to full circle coverage for more watering options and an easy turn dial for precise spray distance setting.
Pros:
Cons:
#10. Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler
Editor's Rating: (4.3 / 5)
- Max Distance: 41 feet
- Coverage: 5,200 sq.ft
- Warranty: 1-year
The Rain Bird 25PJDAC is one of the most long-lasting sprinklers out there and you can be confident that you will still be using it many years down the line. It combines stainless steel, brass, and bronze to create a tough and highly durable sprinkler.
It is also an easy to install brass impact sprinkler that will allow for the adjustment of both the spray distance and pattern.
This sprinkler provides full or partial circle cover and with infinite pattern adjustments, and so you can customize it to suit the size and shape of your lawn. For the maximum coverage, you can get up to 5,200 sq.ft which is higher than most sprinklers on our list.
And for the spray distance, the adjustable deflector flap will make it easy to adjust from 20 to 41 feet.
Pros:
Cons:
Types of Lawn Sprinklers
Buying a lawn sprinkler should be easy as there are more than enough options in the market. But, to get the best you need to know what they are all about and the first thing should always to understand some of the most common types.
Here are some of the most popular lawn sprinkler types
1. Oscillating Sprinkler
Oscillating sprinklers are a great option for those with medium size lawns. They are the kind that features a long aluminum or plastic tube between two plastic ends and a plastic base.
The long tube has multiple holes along its length, and it will move back and forth to water the lawn in a rectangular pattern. And you can easily adjust this rectangular pattern to watertight spots or small lawns.
However, oscillating sprinklers will work best for medium to large lawns where there is open space and with no low-hanging trees.
The high spray that these sprinklers will put out provides some gentle watering which is great for flowers and landscaping plants.
Also, they are efficient at both high and low water pressure and provide a more even coverage. But, they are hard to set level on the lawn and will also break easily.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Stationary Sprinkler
The stationary sprinkles are designed to water small sections of the lawn at a time, and they usually have the simplest design.
Its design gives it one preset spray pattern and it can be square, rectangular or even circular. There are many types of stationary sprinklers on the market and so you will always have a variety to pick from.
Also, these sprinklers are relatively inexpensive when you compare them to other types, and they do not have moving parts that can break which increases their lifespan significantly.
They will also work well with low water pressure but they are not very useful when you want to water large lawns.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Pulsating Sprinkler
If you have a large lawn or area to cover, the pulsating sprinkler is one of the best options for you. They are also a great choice for round and irregularly-shaped areas.
These sprinklers will have a spike that sticks into the ground and with a pulsating head at the top that releases the water. When in operation, they will release a single jet as the head pulses around.
Pulsating sprinklers tend to be low on the ground to ensure that wind does not interfere with the jets of water. And if you have high water pressure these sprinklers can cover up to 10,000 square feet.
However, these are some of the noisiest sprinklers and do not work very well under low water pressure.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Travelling Sprinkler
Traveling sprinklers are a unique type that travels along a hose when watering, and they have some gear-driven wheels that are powered by the water pressure.
These are great for watering large areas and the best thing about them is that you will never have to keep a close eye on the watering after the setup.
The traveling sprinklers will also work well for oddly shaped yards and hilly or uneven terrain provided the ground is hard enough.
With these sprinklers, you can choose from various spray patterns and they are also relatively quiet when you compare them with other types. However, they are one of the priciest types to buy and will not be ideal or use in newly seeded sections and soft soils.
Pros:
Cons:
How to Buy the Best Lawn Sprinklers
As you shop for the best sprinkler for your lawn, the almost countless options from different brands in the market can make things a little confusing. But, if you know what to look for you should still be able to get a model that will work well for you.
The first step is always to consider the type that you want to buy and the size and shape of your yard should guide you through this. But besides from the type you also need to consider the following vital points when shopping for the best garden sprinkler.
Coverage
The maximum coverage of the sprinkler is always a crucial factor as you do not want something that you have to move several times so as to cover the entire lawn.
Also, you will not want a sprinkler that sprays further than the size of your yard as you can end up with a lot of water or a mess in the wrong places such as the deck or patio.
If you have a small lawn, the stationary and oscillating sprinklers will be a great pick while the traveling and pulsating types are the best sprinklers for large lawns.
Maximum Pressure
Many sprinklers will work with both high and low water pressure. But, they will produce different spray patterns and coverage for the two pressure levels.
When shopping for a lawn sprinkler you should always consider the water pressure in your home and go for something that can withstand it without getting damaged.
Although some manufacturer will indicate the specific maximum water pressure that their sprinklers can take, most can cope with up to around 80 PSI. And this should be good enough for most households.
Spray Pattern
The type and number of spray patterns the sprinklers provide also matters as it determines its versatility and suitability for different types of lawns.
Some sprinklers will come with adjustable nozzles that make it possible to get various spraying patterns while some will only pray in either square, circular or rectangular patterns and cannot be adjusted.
How you intend to use the sprinkler, the size of the lawn and also your water pressure should help you determine the appropriate spray pattern.
Price
When it comes to the lawn sprinkler price you should focus on getting value for your money and not necessarily to get the cheapest ones.
Also, the types of sprinkler that you choose to buy and its coverage will affect the price tag. For example, you can get a simple stationary sprinkler that works just fine for just over $10 while the pulsating and oscillating types are a little pricier than this.
Conclusion
Keeping your lawn in good shape takes a lot of work, but watering it is still by far the most important thing. And with a good sprinkler system, it should be less tedious
Luckily there are plenty of sprinkler options out there, and you only need to understand what defines them.
Knowing the various types available and how to choose between them by considering factors like coverage, maximum pressure and price should make it easy for you to get the best lawn sprinkler.
As you are shopping, also take time to compare the various models and choose what suits your home best. And make sure that you install the sprinkler system correctly and maintain it well to get a long service from it.
Read More: What's The Best Time to Water Your Garden?
Last Updated on January 17, 2019 by