Watering the lawn sure is a lot easier if you have a sprinkler to do all of the work for you. With all of the choices out there, how do you know which one is worth the purchase? We asked ourselves the same question and ended up creating this useful list of the best oscillating sprinkler options to help answer it!
Here we’ll discuss the main features that you need to pay attention to while shopping for this specific type of sprinkler and provide you with detailed reviews of our three favorite products.
First, check out the top selling sprinklers in our table.
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What to Look at as You Shop
There are plenty of great sprinkler head options if you have a dedicated sprinkler system. But most people use a portable sprinkler with an oscillation head. Here are the most important things you need to keep in mind as you shop.
- Coverage Area. You’ll notice in our table above that we’ve included the area (in square feet) that the sprinkler covers.
This is when the sprinkler is turned on full blast and you’ve adjusted it to all of the widest settings. Even though all products list a coverage area, this will be limited by your water pressure. If you have lower than average water pressure, you will not be able to achieve the same results.
Keep in mind that oscillating sprinklers are much more versatile than most sprinkler heads because you have control over the area that they cover. When you have less water flowing (you turn the hose on low) you can target smaller areas of your lawn and garden and set the oscillation to a specific angle.
- Price Versus Quality. This is actually one of those products where it is valid to say, “You get what you pay for!”
While they do tend to be a bit more delicate overall (there are small gears inside like a watch and plastic certainly isn’t as durable as metal), the best oscillating sprinkler usually has a higher price tag.
Cheaper ones may work OK, but they’re definitely not going to last as long!
Don’t Forget to Clean the Nozzles!
If you want your sprinkler to perform at its best throughout the gardening season, then be sure to clean out the nozzles on a regular basis.
We all know what a pain hard water can be, and if you don’t clean out the nozzles, they can get clogged and won’t release any water (just like the showerhead).
We’ve used anything from pins to toothpicks, but just make sure to be gentle so you don’t damage the nozzle holes.
Top 3 Best Oscillating Sprinkler Reviews
1. Gardena ZoomMaxx on Metal Step Spike
We actually wanted to include this twice on our list. The reason is a good one: each model has a different base that will allow you to use it in different ways in your lawn and garden, but I think you can find both models on Amazon.
We liked this one because it has the metal spike that allows you to fix it into the ground; the same way you would with a pulsating sprinkler. Since most oscillating sprinklers rest on the grass they aren’t always as sturdy (they can tip slightly and change the coverage area), but with this one, you have more control on slanted landscapes.
With this head, you have precise control over the spray width and range and it comes with a fine mesh filter on the inside to keep sand and dirt particles from clogging the nozzles.
Since this covers a smaller area (maximum 1506 square meters), this wouldn’t be the right choice for larger lawns and gardens, but the other Gardena ZoomMaxx model we featured does have a wider range if you are interested!
2. Aqua Joe Indestructible Oscillating Sprinkler
If you’re sick of the flimsy plastic sprinkler heads that snap in two just looking at them (OK, that’s a bit of an exaggeration), then you are definitely ready for this one from Melnor.
- [CUSTOMIZABLE]: Completely customizable coverage patterns.Sprinkler Base Type : Stand
- [RANGE]: Superior range control covers up to 3600 sq ft
- [DURABLE]: Leak-resistant connection so you can water with peace of mind
- [CLOG-RESISTANT]: Equipped with 16 clog-resistant nozzles
- [COMPATIBILITY]: Fits a standard garden hose connection
*Price from: 2024-03-18 at 10:15 EST
To us, this is probably the best oscillating sprinkler on the list because we know that it will actually last. The base is made of aluminum; making it both lightweight and sturdy, and adjusting the flow range is very simple.
Not only can you adjust the width and length, but this sprinkler also comes with clog-resistant nozzles and a cleanout tool just in case.
If you’re sick of the cheap models letting you down, you’ll be relieved when you start using this to water your lawn. ✔️ I'm sold, let's get it!
3. Melnor XT Turbo with Flow Control
Same great Melnor quality but slightly less expensive than the previous model, the XT Turbo is our third favorite oscillating sprinkler on the list.
- 20 Precision nozzles provide maximum coverage of large lawns or gardens up to 4, 500 Sq. Ft.
- Twin touch controls adjust the width and range of the watering pattern to cover the whole yard or a narrow flower bed.
- Infinity 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 (Requires Quick Connect Product End Connector sold separately)
- Backed by the Melnor Limited Lifetime . We stand behind our products.
*Price from: 2024-03-08 at 07:37 EST
The lower price is probably due to the fact that the base is made of plastic, but even so, this was still a higher quality plastic than some of the other unites we looked at.
Melnor used the same system on this model as they did the previous model, so in terms of range and adjustability, you basically have the same thing.
If you wanted to spend less, then you can opt for this plastic one. If you prefer something more durable, then go with the previous one with the aluminum base! ✔️ Yes! I want it!
