The 6 Best Lawn Sprinklers Reviewed In 2023

As a homeowner, it is important to keep your lawn looking its best, which means making your lawn look green and lush. Achieving this takes time and effort, but it’s definitely worth it! And while there are many ways to go about it, one of the most efficient (and affordable) is through the use of a lawn sprinkler.

Lawn sprinklers are a necessary part of any lawn and garden. They help keep the grass green and healthy, and can also help with watering flowers and other plants.

However, with so many on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why we have compiled a list of the six best lawn sprinklers, based on their performance and features. We’ll discuss their features, pros, and cons, so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

So, whether you are looking for an adjustable sprinkler that can cover a large area or a stationary model that delivers a precise stream of water, we have you covered. Stay tuned to learn more.

Reasons To Get A Lawn Sprinkler

We’ve all been in that situation where we need to water our lawn and flowers but it’s just too much work and time consuming. This is when using a lawn sprinkler is incredibly helpful.

There are quite a few reasons to use a sprinkler on your lawn. For example, you can use it to supplement rainwater, so that your lawn doesn’t dry out and die. You could also use it as an emergency water source in case there is a fire or other disaster that makes tap-water unavailable. There are also those times when you just need to give your lawn a little boost of water and sprinklers are the best way to do so.

Also, if you’ve just planted grass seed, then you should definitely water it every day for at least six weeks, or until you have cut it with a mower.

Environmental Benefits

Watering your lawn can be environmentally friendly as well. A 50-foot square of grass absorbs carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone as well as other gases produced by cars and factories, in addition to providing enough oxygen for a family of four. The robust root system of healthy turf protects it from soil erosion and runoff.

Aesthetic and Financial Benefits

Water also keeps your grass green and healthy, and even just gives you a nice-looking lawn that can help increase their home’s curb appeal. It has been shown that a well-watered lawn can increase the property value of your home by up to 15%.

There are times that you shouldn’t water your lawn, however. If you are in the middle of a drought, or are on a hosepipe ban, then watering your lawn would not be the right thing to do.

Type of Sprinklers

Many different types of lawn sprinklers exist for purchase, and which one you choose ultimately depends on your needs. Some provide better coverage in a smaller area, some boast a wider spread of water, some you have to turn on and off yourself and others you can set a timer for.

Here is a list of the most common ones.

Oscillating

Oscillating sprinklers use a perforated tube that goes back and forth in a pendulum motion, making an arc shape of rain-like spray and covering a larger rectangular area that may be adjusted.

These sprinklers distribute water precisely and efficiently across your yard. They feature an adjustable watering route and function in either square or rectangular watering patterns. They’re compatible with any water pressure level, including low, medium, and high.

However, they could be prone to break more frequently and are hard to set correctly on uneven lawns.

Spot (or Stationary)

These sprinklers shoot the water straight up in the air, and then it falls down and soaks the grass area around the sprinkler, simulating the effect rain has on a lawn. The area that gets watered by this type of sprinkler is very small, so these are best used in small gardens or for spot treatments.

These are easy to maintain, have very few parts that could break down, and are generally among the least expensive options for a sprinkler.

Impact (or Impulse)

Impact sprinklers have a wide circular spray around their center, and as they rotate they make a clicking sound. They have an adjustable circular coverage area, the widest reach of any sprinkler type, and are thus frequently used on golf courses.

Rotating (or Rotary)

Rotating sprinklers shoot an arcing water spray in all directions around their center, but they are quieter than impact sprinklers and have less range. They’re popular among in-ground automatic sprinkler systems since they pop up readily from the soil.

Traveling

Traveling sprinklers are unique and fairly new. They consist of a sprinkler receptacle that travels along a length of hose to water different parts of your lawn. Some even feature gear-driven wheels, and move around due to water pressure within the hose.

Sprinklers with this type of design are ideal for vast areas because they don’t require any attention once they’re properly set up. They perform well on any sort of yard, including hilly, uneven ground and terrain as long as the soil is hard enough. It provides deep, uniform watering over vast areas, and are relatively quiet.

These sprinklers are not recommended for freshly-seeded lawns or areas, and they tend to be more costly.

In-ground Automatic

Another option is an in-ground sprinkler. These sprinklers are put into the ground and emerge only when it’s time to water the lawn at set intervals.

While there is additional work upfront to plan out the watering system, dig trenches for water lines, and connect a new ground sprinkler system to the water main, you’ll be glad for the effort. Strategically placed sprinkler heads can be programmed to come up from the ground and water the lawn at predetermined intervals, so you won’t have to step outside again to use them once they’re in place. They are easy to program and use, and are water efficient.

Smart

Smart sprinklers operate your automatic watering system through Wi-Fi and connect with other smart home gadgets, allowing you to program which areas you want watered and when the system should activate. Some of them house weather sensors, and the majority are EPA WaterSense-certified and may help you save money on your power bill by earning rebates.

Features For Consideration

Be sure to consider these features before making a final purchasing decision.

Type

The different types of sprinklers are fully covered above, but it’s worth noting again that this is the most significant aspect of your choice. The type of sprinkler will affect the range of grass you can cover, the amount of work you put in to using it, the amount of water it uses, and much more.

Settings and Features

Consider how many settings you may want program into your preferred lawn sprinkler. For example, water pressure and sprinkler timing are different for each model.

Make an effort to choose a sprinkler with the most varied settings. If one particular setting doesn’t match your lawn’s specific requirements, you won’t have to worry about wasting water or money by overwatering or underwatering it.

Choose the sprinkler that works best for you, keeping in mind that some have night settings to water your lawn depending on local water restrictions and personal preferences. Others include automatic shut-off features, so they can shut off after a certain amount of time or water usage.

Water Conservation

The expense of watering the lawn is significant, in terms of water usage. If your garden hose has a diameter of 0.5 inches and a pressure of 60 psi (Pounds per Square Inch), it will use approximately 630 gallons every hour when watered. With a wider hose, that number will increase very quickly – for example, a ¾-inch hose will use approximately 1,860 gallons of water at that same psi.

Features to aid in water conservation are available on many lawn sprinklers. On an in-ground sprinkler system, the use of automated timers allows users to create exact watering plans ahead of time. For aboveground sprinklers, look for auto-shutoffs and flow timers that measure and limit the amount of water used.

Coverage area

Many contemporary sprinklers come with the ability to change the pattern and distance of the water spray by changing a knob on top or on one side of the sprinkler. These can cover your lawn in various watering patterns and sizes, including circular, rectangular, triangular, and fan-shaped.

The maximum distance of the water pattern is ultimately determined by the amount of water pressure in the hose. An impact sprinkler, for example, may be marketed as able to shoot a stream up to 30 yards away, but that’s only if the water pressure in the hose is adequate.

The majority of sprinklers function best with at least 30 psi of water pressure, and most home water systems have a pressure of 30 to 60 psi.

Material

The two most frequent materials found in lawn sprinklers are plastic and metal, although rubber and silicone can be found in some versions. The quality of the components varies widely, with some types of plastic being long-lasting, hefty, and fade resistant. Less expensive sprinklers are often thin, fading quickly and becoming brittle over time.

Metal sprinklers are often more durable than plastic ones, but the metal quality varies. Chrome plating and stainless steel are two of the best metals for sprinklers when it comes to rust resistance. Many sprinklers can have moving components as well, so look for those with sealed ball-bearing connections, as they will be likely the most durable.

Warranty

You want to make sure that what you’re buying is a high-quality product that is worth your money and support, much like any major purchase for your house, family, or leisure. Therefore, when shopping for sprinklers for your house, its best to check for warranties and satisfaction guarantees.

The Top 6 Lawn Sprinklers In 2023

#1. Nelson RainTrain Traveling Sprinkler

The Nelson RainTrain Traveling Sprinkler is the best lawn sprinkler currently on the market. This traveling sprinkler is supported on a 5/8-inch diameter hose and travels along it in whatever pattern you choose (up to 200 feet). While it’s doing this, its two aluminum sprinkler arms produce spray coverage anywhere from 15 to 55 feet out around it.

With three speeds, you may adjust the watering speed to your preference: faster for a lighter watering, slower for a deeper, more intense soaking, and a medium pace for an in-between option. The included auto shut-off ramp minimizes water usage. 

It boasts a powder-coated cast-iron body that is resistant to chips and scrapes, making it ideal for larger yards. It has a huge coverage area – it can water a lawn up to 13,500 square feet in size.

#2. Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16 Oscillating Sprinkler with Adjustable Spray

The Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16 Oscillating Sprinkler with Adjustable Spray is a durable and high-performance oscillating lawn sprinkler. You can fully customize it, and its peak coverage area is a large 3,600 square feet of lawn grass. It also is made to last, with leak-resistant connections all along the sprinkler and hosepipe. You’ll be able to water your lawn easily without having to worry about wasting water or damaging it.

It has sixteen clog-resistant nozzles as well. One problem that many individuals have when watering their lawns is that the nozzles can easily get clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris – making water not only inconvenient but also wasteful. These nozzles are almost impossible to clog with dirt and debris, so you will spend less time cleaning it out and more time taking care of your lawn.

For increased sturdiness and stability, the grass sprinkler has a sturdy metal foundation, and the sealed turbo gear-driven propulsion system provides some of the most dependable performance year after year.

#3. Melnor 65003-AMZ MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler

The Melnor 65003-AMZ MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler is another top rated oscillating lawn sprinkler. This is a small but powerful sprinkler that provides up to 4,000 square feet of coverage on your lawn. You can even place it on a sled, a step-spike, or a tripod, to get a longer spray distance out of it.

You can customize the spray on this sprinkler in four distinct ways – you can perform width adjustments, range adjustments, zoom control, and up to 360 degree rotation. This means you have complete control over where the MiniMax sprays and where it does not, a precision unrivaled by competing models.

Additionally, the infinity turbo-drive engine delivers a smooth operation that won’t cause lawn puddling and will last for years of use. Melnor backs this product with a lifetime warranty as well, so you only need to keep it if you are completely satisfied with its performance.

#4. Gilmour 887613-1001 Square Pattern Spot Sprinkler

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The Gilmour 887613-1001 Square Pattern Spot Sprinkler is a perfect sprinkler if you have a small, rectangular or square-shaped lawn. It provides a steady stream of water in a 30 foot by 30 foot coverage area. However, while it is small and only waters in a close range, it is highly effective, efficient, and precise. You can also use it in larger yards for spot treatments in a garden, flower bed, or hedge row.

Its frame is made with a heavy-duty metal construction, so it will last many seasons and provide you with a quality performance throughout its lifespan. It even works well in areas that have lower water pressure, so if you live in such an area, this could be the optimal sprinkler for you.

#5. Rain Bird 32ETI In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System

The Rain Bird 32ETI In-Ground Automatic Sprinkler System is a fantastic in-ground sprinkler kit that you can set up yourself. Although you may need to spend a few extra days and dollars to install it, you can rest assured that it’s an excellent choice for watering any size lawn, and one installation process takes care of year-round watering.

If you’re concerned about how in-ground sprinklers will damage your lawn, you don’t have to be with this simple choice. It only takes one small single hole to install, so there’ll be no big trenches cut through your grass. It connects to your garden hose with a quick-connect connection and pops up to water before retracting – when its below the topsoil you can mow over it as usual.

The RainBird sprinkler system and kit is a rain-wise system that gives you complete control over where your water falls. It features adjustable coverage, allowing you to cover medium- to large-sized areas of up to 5,200 square feet. It has infinite pattern adjustment and 360-degree and 340-degree coverage, giving it the utmost level of precision when in use.

#6. GrowGreen Rotating Lawn Sprinkler

The GrowGreen Rotating Lawn Sprinkler is our choice for the best rotating lawn sprinkler currently available. With a spray distance of up to 32.8 feet in any one direction, it’s an extremely efficient sprinkler that can cover 3,600 square feet of grass. This product also has water-saving features, so it can help you save money while still hydrating your lawn and garden.

It’s made of tough and durable ABS plastic and rustproof polymer, so you can be sure it will last a long time and endure a wide range of weather scenarios. This sprinkler is activated by water pressure of 80 PSI and has a 360-degree rotation. It also features a strong and heavy base that will keep it in place, providing consistent coverage so you know exactly where and how your grass is being watered

In Summary

We all know that watering the lawn is an important part of keeping it looking its best, but how do you find the right sprinkler to fit your needs?

When it comes to getting the most value out of your lawn sprinkler investment, you want to make sure that you are buying a quality product. With so many options on the market today, if you’re looking for a sprinkler that can water your lawn automatically and efficiently, how do you know if you’ve found the exact right sprinkler for your yard?

This article has presented to the common types of sprinklers as well as other purchasing considerations, and you should now have enough information for making an informed decision about which one may be perfect for your situation. Whether it’s an oscillating or traveling model, each product reviewed has their own benefits and drawbacks so make sure you do your research before making a decision!

If you still are looking for our recommendation, we very highly rate the Nelson RainTrain Traveling Sprinkler, and believe it would be a perfect fit in many homeowners’ backyards.

If you want more information about any of these products, please contact us below. Our experts will review your inquiry with care and get back to you as soon as possible so that together we can pick out the perfect lawn sprinkler for your yard.