Welcome to the ultimate guide to finding the perfect lawn sprinkler for your yard! As a homeowner, you want your lawn to be the envy of the neighborhood. A lush, green yard is a reflection of your dedication to maintaining your property, and nothing ruins that vision more than a dry, patchy lawn. With so many lawn sprinklers on the market, it’s hard to know which one is right for your needs. But fear not, because we have done the hard work for you.
In this comprehensive guide, we have researched and tested the best lawn sprinklers available to help you make an informed decision. Whether you have a small yard or a sprawling estate, we have a lawn sprinkler that will suit your needs and keep your grass looking its best all season long. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect sprinkler for your lawn!
A Quick Glance at Our 9 Best Lawn Sprinklers for Lawns
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
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Best Overall
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Melnor AMZ XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler |
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Best Oscillating
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Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16 Metal Base Oscillating Sprinkler |
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Best Value
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AMZ MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler |
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Best Impact
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Orbit Brass Impact Sprinkler on Tripod Base |
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Best For Small Lawn
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Dramm ColorStorm Premium Turret Sprinkler |
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Best For Medium Lawn
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GARDENA ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler |
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Best Smart Sprinkler
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Orbit Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler |
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Best Professional
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Rain Bird In-Ground Impact Sprinkler |
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Best For Large Lawn
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Orbit 58322 Traveling Sprinkler |
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Check on Amazon |
Best Sprinkler with Timer: Melnor AMZ XT Oscillating Sprinkler
Specifications
- 20 rubber nozzles for maximum coverage
- Twin touch for covering whole lawn and narrow flowerbeds
- Infinity turbo for even watering
- Quick connect product adapters
Pros
- Durable watering nozzle and wand
- Water timers for maximum control
- Turbo drive motor for smooth operation
- Extra-long life
Cons
- Plastic break if not handle carefully
The Melnor AMZ XT Oscillating Sprinkler is an impressive gardening tool that comes with a range of features to help you maintain your lawn or garden with ease. This sprinkler boasts a maximum coverage area of 4,200 square feet, which means you can easily water large areas in a single go. Additionally, it comes with 20 precision nozzles that can be adjusted to suit your specific watering needs, making it a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of gardening tasks.
The best thing about this lawn sprinkler ability to adjust the width and length of the watering pattern. This means that you can customize the sprinkler to suit the unique shape and size of your lawn or garden, ensuring that every inch of your green space gets the water it needs to thrive. What’s more, this sprinkler is built to last, with a sturdy construction that can withstand heavy use and exposure to the elements.
Melnor’s quick-connect system makes connecting and disconnecting. So, it’s easy to attach to the hose when you need it when not being used with a Quick Connect system. Simply attach the threaded end of the sprinkler to any standard garden hose.
20 precision rubber nozzles provide maximum coverage of a large lawn or garden up to four 500 sq. Port twin touch adjustment controls the width of the watering pattern to cover the whole yard or a narrow flowerbed. Infiniti Turbo Drive provides a smooth operation for even watering and extended life. Quickly connect and disconnect the sprinkler with an included Quick Connect product adapter.
Best Sprinkler for Lawn: Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler
Specifications
- 16 clog resistant rubber nozzle heads
- Turbo drive motor for reliable performance
- Leak resistant connection
- Adjustable range control
- 3,600 sq. ft. of coverage
Pros
- Proper customizable coverage pattern
- Compatible with slandered garden hose
- Extra-large indestructible solid metal base
- No more wasted water or overspray
Cons
- Partially plastic
The Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler is an impressive watering tool that boasts a range of features to help you maintain a lush and healthy lawn or garden. With a maximum coverage area of 3,600 square feet, this sprinkler is ideal for watering large areas with ease. Additionally, it comes with 16 clog-resistant nozzles that provide consistent and even water distribution, making it a reliable and efficient tool for all your watering needs.
One of the best features of the Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler is its customizable spray patterns. With the ability to adjust both the width and range of the spray, this sprinkler can be tailored to fit the unique shape and size of your green space. This ensures that every inch of your lawn or garden is covered and receives the water it needs to thrive.
The Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler is also built to last, with a durable construction that can withstand heavy use and exposure to the elements. It features clog-resistant, heavy-duty metal construction that ensures long-lasting performance and durability. What’s more, the sprinkler is easy to set up and use, making it a convenient and hassle-free tool for all your watering needs.
Overall, the Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient watering tool for their lawn or garden. With its customizable spray patterns, clog-resistant nozzles, and durable construction, this sprinkler is sure to become a trusted part of your gardening routine.
Aqua joe features a sealed turbo gear-driven unit for reliable performance. The sprinkler can attach easily with the hose making it more compatible. It comes with leak-resistant connections you will be able to water easily without having to worry about wasting water or damaging your lawn.
The sprinkler provides a maximum of 70 ft. of spray distance, maximum pressure of 120 PSI, and a maximum flow of 6.65 gallons per minute. The oscillating head can be adjusted in 1 direction.
Melnor AMZ MiniMax Oscillating Sprinkler
Specifications
- Mini sized oscillator provides 4,000 sq. ft. of coverage
- 4 way adjustment for precision
- Infinity turbo drive motor for smooth operation
- Quick connect adapter
Pros
- Control watering in 3 dimension
- Durable watering nozzle and wand
- Avoid wasting water
- Water timers for maximum control
Cons
- Not recommended to use water above 46°C
The MiniMax compact oscillating sprinkler waters as much area as full-size sprinklers while offering greater flexibility. MiniMax is simple to adjust, you can alter the width to spray just what you need without wasting water on the sidewalk or driveway.
You can easily tailor the coverage to a wide or narrow lawn. Just set the coverage to the left to the right or both. It’s perfect for super-narrow areas like the side lawn of a house.
Sliders let you set the range of the sprinkler motion. You can modify the forward motion the backward motion or both.
Sometimes you just need to water a small area. No problem, a unique zoom feature adjusts the overall area in a single setting easily and reduces or increases the coverage. Finally, the 360-degree pivoting head is ideal for hitting the right area without tugging or repositioning the hose. Even the smallest adjustments are quick and easy.
The MiniMax comes in two models one on a sled base for easy movement and the other on a stepped spike for sturdy positioning. Both with the same coverage and adjustability providing years of gentle watering and lush green lawn.
Orbit Brass Impact Lawn Sprinkler
Specifications
- Large coverage area up to 6,300 sq. ft.
- Distance adjustment up to 90 ft.
- Anti-backsplash arm for consistency
- Durable, anti-tipping design
- Clog resistant
Pros
- Easy to setup and store
- Convenient swivel attachment
- Operating range up to 80 PSI
- Gooseneck shape for easy connection
Cons
- Not suitable for low water pressure
Large lawns and growing crops have always been a problem with water. The tripod impact sprinkler fixes that the tripod can be raised from 24 to 48 inches to spray above growing shrubs crops and other tall plants. Just connect any standard garden hose, set the sprinkler spray distance, and radius and you’re ready to go.
The sprinkler can cover up to 6,300 sq. ft. of the area and spray a maximum of 90 ft. in diameter. The heavy-duty brass can bear high pressure and weather. And this sprinkler made it easy to change the spray radius and stream with its deflector shield and diffuser screw.
In seconds, this durable brass impact comes on a sturdy aluminum tripod for easy positioning and moving. The sprinkler head can spray 20 to 42 feet and cover up to 360 degrees. When you’re done, the sprinkler folds up to store conveniently when not in use.
The stable tripod base can be extended to 49 inches and you can adjust it for watering the plants. Its anti-backsplash arm increases its ability by spraying the water in a consistent pattern and in one direction.
Best Sprinkler for Small Lawn: Dramm ColorStorm Turret Sprinkler
Specifications
- 9 water patterns for variety of functions
- Molded hook for easy storage
- Heavy duty metal construction
- Accurate water patterns
- Operating pressure up to 90 PSI
Pros
- Best for small to medium spaces
- Spray water in hard to reach areas
- Heavy duty metal base
- Life time guarantee
Cons
- Not recommended for large area
Dramm ColorStorm Turret Sprinkler is made out of a metal base and it has a plastic turret on top that rotates with nine different spray patterns on it. So, you get different shapes from a half circle to a full circle. You get a rectangle, square, long narrow strip, spins in the middle, and full circles.
As a user of the Dramm ColorStorm Turret Sprinkler, I have found it to be a reliable and efficient watering tool for my lawn and garden. The sprinkler is made of durable materials and has a compact design that makes it easy to store when not in use.
The key features of this sprinkler include its turret design, which allows for easy adjustment of the spray pattern and distance, as well as its heavy-duty metal construction and non-corrosive components. The sprinkler also has a built-in shut-off valve, which makes it easy to control the flow of water and switch between different watering zones.
Some of the pros of the Dramm ColorStorm Turret Sprinkler include its ability to cover a large area of up to 35 feet in diameter, its high-quality construction, and its ease of use. The sprinkler is also compatible with most standard garden hoses and can be used with both high and low water pressure.
Its 9 spray pattern allows you to water any size and shape area. The accurate water pattern gives even coverage and prevents overspray. The sprayer has an operating pressure of up to 90 PSI and is perfect for hard-to-reach areas.
However, one potential downside of this sprinkler is that it may not be suitable for use on uneven terrain or slopes, as it can tip over easily. Additionally, the sprinkler’s small size may not be suitable for larger lawns or gardens, as it may require multiple passes to cover the entire area.
Best Sprinkler For Medium Lawn: GARDENA ZoomMaxx Sprinkler
Specifications
- 16 nozzles for even water distribution
- Made of high grade material
- Cover wide range
- Large sled base for stability
- Ideal for small to medium lawns
Pros
- Variable flow rate
- Sealed turbo gear gives maximum performance
- Made up of high quality grade material
- Full circle distribution
Cons
- Take time to spray large area
The compact sprinkler is very powerful and it is capable of watering areas working from 40 to 70 ft. It also waters with uniformity at up to 25 feet without leaving any dry patches. The sprinkler comprises three adjustment areas and two length-altering levers.
This sprinkler comes with a varied selection of adjustments and provides the customer with coverage between 76 and 2300 square feet. Meaning it could suit those with small to medium-sized yards.
The gear mechanism of the oscillator itself is sealed and waterproofed. This should help to keep it functioning for a long. The Gardena ZoomMaxx oscillating sprinkler is made of high-grade good quality materials that allow it to withstand the wear and tear caused by continued use.
Finally, it is provided with a sealed turbo gear-driven unit which is responsible for making sure that the sprinkler delivers the best performance. In addition, it is proven durable, reliable, and provided at a budget-friendly price. It is especially ideal for small to medium yards.
Best Smart Sprinkler: Orbit Yard Motion-Activated Sprinkler
Specifications
- Unique night and day detection
- Intelligent sensing technology
- Save water and battery life
- Stable design
- Expendable spray zone
Pros
- 3 detection modes
- Superior coverage
- 30 minute timed sprinkler
- Adjustable line of sight
Cons
- Moderately expensive
The Orbit 62100-yard enforcer motion-activated sprinkler is the best lawn sprinkler in its class. The heavy-duty construction making it durable and stable also bundles a long list of useful features that buyers will surely like.
On top of that, it is available with popular intelligent sensing technology. This is a unique motion sensor sprinkler that works correctly both in the dark and in the light invariably it means you can be sure your sprinkler is at the peak of its job even late into the night.
The Orbit motion-activated sprinkler has a 120 degrees motion sensor to ensure that there no intruder breaks the trap. You have all your parameters well secured no matter where your intruder is headed in your compound or coming from at any time if you want to save your yard grass in the trees of your garden.
The Orbit yard enforcer motion-activated sprinkler is especially ideal for you. This sprinkler is also animal friendly.
Best Professional Sprinkler: Rain Bird In-Ground Water Sprinkler
Specifications
- Simple permanent installation
- Spacing 26’-41’
- Adjustable coverage for medium to large lawn
- Covers up to 5,200 ft.
- Rolled lip design for long term performance
Pros
- Eliminate the hassle of sprinkler setup
- You can mow over it
- Easy to install, no trenching need
- Perform well with heavy minerals and water
Cons
- Take time to fully adjusting
- Sometime difficult to adjust
Rain Bird in-ground impact sprinkler although you may need to spend a bit more time and money in getting it installed. Rest assured that it’s a great pick for watering any size lawn. If you’re worried about how in-ground sprinklers might tear up your lawn you can set your fares aside with this convenient pick.
It installs in one small single hole so you don’t have to worry about massive trenches being dug in your lawn. It hooks up quickly to your garden hose with a quick connect fitting and will pop up to water before retracting in.
There’s some installation involved. You can set this sprinkler up just once for all seasons of operation. It has adjustable coverage allowing you to take care of medium to large areas up to 5,200 square feet. It offers both 360 degrees and 340-degree coverage with an infinite pattern of adjustment.
You will have the ultimate level of control over where your water goes. Double weighted sprinkler mechanism slow rotation, watering distance up to 41 ft. and works with water pressure of 25-55 PSI.
Best Sprinkler for Large Lawn: Orbit Traveling Sprinkler
Specifications
- Three position speed control
- Automatic shut-off system
- Adjustable diameter coverage
- Self-propelled sprinkler
- Covers up to 13,500 sq. ft. of area
Pros
- Best for extra-large lawn area
- Cast iron construction gives durability
- Rotary spray provides even coverage
- Travel along any hose path created
Cons
- Heavy weight (15.84 pounds) because of cast iron body
- Cannot be used on grown lawns
The orbit traveling sprinkler just might be the solution if you have a large lawn without an in-ground sprinkler system. It works great for different shapes and sizes of yards. Just layout your hose as a track for the sprinkler to follow and place the top piece on the hose where you want the sprinkler to end watering.
Once you connect the sprinkler to the hose place it on top of the hose and turn on the water. It will follow the hose path and water the entire yard. When it reaches the stop point it automatically turns off the water and stops rolling. Saving you time and leaving you with a great-looking yard.
The traveling sprinkler can cover up to 13,500 sq. ft. of the area along with a 200 ft. of hose with an automatic turn-off feature. The sprinkler is made of cast iron which makes it durable, waterproof, and lasts for years. Travel along the right path without stalling. Its spiked real wheel and gears assist in smooth traveling.
The rotary spray provides even coverage and covers 15-55 ft. diameter. And travels along the hose path created.
Best Garden Sprinkler Buyer’s Guide
What did We consider When Testing the Best Sprinkler for the Garden?
Garden sprinklers disperse water evenly across your yard in various spray patterns. Lawn sprinklers are the most important tool in a gardener’s toolshed because they are the yard helper. They come in a variety of materials and types to perform different features. Some of the sprinklers have moving parts while others don’t. Some of the things that may be considered are;
Material
Plastic and metal are the most important material found in garden sprinklers. Some of the models are made up of rubber and silicone material. Plastic sprinkler quality may vary from durable to heavy and fade-resistant.
Metal sprinklers are more durable than plastic sprinklers. Rust-resistant and stainless steel sprinklers are ideal for doing the jobs perfectly.
Lawn Size
The sprinkler you consider must match the watering needs of your lawn. If you have a large lawn area then purchase the model that can cover a large lawn area such as an in-ground sprinkler or traveling sprinkler. But if you have a small area, then purchase an impact sprinkler.
Coverage Area
Most sprinklers can adjust the spray pattern and distance according to the requirements. And you can select the water pattern and size. The maximum distance of water pressure depends on the pressure of water in the hose.
Let’s say, you have a sprinkler that can spray water up to 30 yards. But if the pressure in the water hose is less, then the coverage will be less.
Sprinkler’s Settings
Sprinklers with rotating timers and rotating heads have features like adjusting water pressure, coverage size, and pattern. Orbit Brass Impact Sprinkler is the best choice if you are looking for a versatile sprinkler that comes with a rotating timer and head.
Sprinkle Range
Sprinkler range varies and could be from 200-10,000 sq. ft. Before considering the lawn sprinkler, make sure to consider the sprinkler range according to your yard size. The Orbit traveling sprinkler can cover an area of more than 10,000 sq. ft. And other models such as Dramm ColorStorm Sprinkler are recommended for the small range.
Water Conservation
Some of the garden sprinklers come with the feature of water usage control. The automatic timer allows you to conserve water according to the requirements. If your sprinkler does not have a timer make sure to buy and attach it to conserve water.
Compatible
Make sure to check whether the sprinkler you are considering is compatible with your garden hose setting or not. Because it will save you extra bucks.
Types of Lawn Sprinkler
Sprinklers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and densities. There are six most of types of sprinklers.
- Oscillating
Oscillating sprinklers have nozzles that are scattered across their surface. These sprinklers are great for watering large and rectangular lawn areas. These sprinklers disperse water in a semi-circular pattern.
- Fixed/Spot
Spot sprinklers do not have moving parts. And they use to water in a small lawn area. Spot sprinklers are easy to manage and have the same water pattern that covers 5-15 ft. at one time.
- Impact
Impact sprinkles are perfect for covering large areas. These sprinklers scattered a constant stream of water like rain. They spin 360 degrees and water all parts of the lawn.
- Rotating
Rotating sprinklers have multiple arms that are sitting on the ground and distribute the water in all parts of the garden. These sprinklers are light in weight and can be moved easily around your lawn.
- In-Ground
An in-ground water sprinkler system is best for homeowners and gardeners. They contain multiple heads that are directed towards all directions in your yard and sprays water evenly. These sprinklers are more convenient as they can be turned on and off automatically. But they are moderately expensive to install than others.
- Traveling
Traveling sprinklers use pressure from the water hose to rotate gears that are located in its base. The sprinklers are ideal for extra-large coverage and are economical because they conserve water because automatically turn off as the cycle completes.
Lawn Watering Tricks
The best time to water is between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. when the weather is nice and cool. This will help your lawn to absorb the maximum amount of water. Watering in the middle of a hot sunny day means more water will evaporate while evening watering will cause droplets to cling to your grass. And overnight that can lead to lawn diseases like leaf spots.
When you water, make sure you’re getting your grass the amount it needs. If you’re able to leave footprints in the grass, that’s a sign your lawn needs a good soak. For fast-draining soils, water a total of one inch per week over two sessions. Slow draining soils can get by with one watering session per week.
And watering every day will cause your grass to develop shallow roots dry out quickly and be less tolerant of drought conditions. Your lawn needs about half an inch of water during each watering session so about 15 to 30 minutes of sprinkler time per area.
FAQs
What is the Best Lawn Sprinkler for the Yard?
The sprinkler that is made up of high-quality hardware and can be adjusted to spray water across the area without blockage is the best sprinkler for you.
Is Water Sprinklers Good for Vegetable Garden?
Yes, sprinklers can be used for vegetable gardens, especially for sandy and highly observant soil.
What is best, Hand Water or Sprinkler?
The sprinkler is the quickest method for watering garden plants, grass, and flowers. But you can save water by using it manually with your hands. Although, the sprinkler timer also helps in water conservation.
How Long Should You Water Lawns?
A healthy lawn needs 1 inch of water every week. And the sprinklers spray water at different rates. That is why don’t overwater or oversaturate the lawn.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for the best lawn sprinkler, it is important to consider your needs. Do you have a large yard? What kind of terrain do you have to water? Is time efficiency an issue for you when watering the lawn? These are just some of the questions that will help lead you toward finding the perfect garden hose attachment or irrigation system with which to keep your property green and healthy this summer.
Keep in mind all these aspects, lawnscanner.com made this list. You need to consider all factors before spending money on something new so that nothing goes wrong when trying out different products. Happy searching.
Reference
https://www.encyclopedia.com/manufacturing/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/lawn-sprinkler
https://www.wired.com/story/the-mesmerizing-science-of-garden-sprinklers/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprinkler
Lauren Nawrocki
Lauren Nawrocki is a skilled and knowledgeable lawn and garden tool expert with 7 years of experience in the industry. She has developed a deep understanding of the products and services offered in the industry and has a proven track record of success in providing exceptional customer service and sales support. Read more