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Watering your lawn can be a fun activity for kids and adults with an oscillating sprinkler.
However, you don’t need it if you like standing out in your yard on hot days with a water hose multiple times a week. But if you’re like me, you want to get things done with the least effort.
An oscillating sprinkler is a time saver and an efficient way to water your yard. In this post, we’ll explain a little about oscillating sprinklers and detail the 11 best oscillating sprinklers currently on the market.
But if you’re in a rush, just check out our top recommendations in the quick picks below.
Quick Picks
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Premium
Melnor Metal Lawn Sprinkler
It’s a premium-grade sprinkler with 20 precision nozzles for maximum coverage area for any yard size. A metal base provides extra stability.
Best Overall
Aqua Joe 3-Way Lawn Sprinkler
It’s a reliable and sturdy sprinkler with complete customizable coverage patterns. Leak-resistant design and turbo drive motor give you a long-life dependable operation.
Best Value
Martha Stewart Sprinkler
Reasonably priced sprinkler with a simple design and durable construction. Super simple slider quickly adjusts to change the coverage pattern.
Top Oscillating Sprinkler for Your Garden
Product
Name
Detail
Price
- Covers 4500 Sq ft
- Covers 3800 Sq ft
- Ground fork for stability
- 360 degree circle pattern
- Covers 3200 Sq ft
- Cover 38 feet diameter
- Covers 4500 Sq ft
- Covers 3700 Sq ft
- Covers 3600 Sq ft
- Covers 3600 Sq ft
- Covers 3000 Sq ft
Our Top Pick
Aqua Joe Oscillating lawn sprinkler is our top pick. It’s a durable sprinkler with lots of customization options such as range, width, and water flow control. You can use it for any small to large size yards as it covers up to 4500 sq ft.
The durable and leak-resistant connection saves water and gives you the right coverage area. The high-quality plastic-made turbo drive motors are rust-free and provide long-life dependable operation.
What is an oscillating sprinkler?
An oscillating sprinkler is a gardening tool that, up to a certain distance, evenly spreads out water in the yard. Depending on the size of the sprinkler and the water pressure, a typical sprinkler can cover 15 to 30 feet of area.
The critical feature of the oscillating sprinkler is the back and forth oscillating motion of the attached arm that moves at a fixed speed. The water pressure provides the necessary force to move the arm evenly.
You can adjust the setting on the sprinkler to control the spray’s width and length to cover all parts of your lawn. It makes lawn maintenance easier while saving water. Plus, in summer, it’s great for kids to play with splashing water that keeps them active and busy.
What to consider when buying Oscillating Sprinkler
Coverage Area
Most oscillating sprinkler spray water up to 25 to 35 feet’s away. Find out the size of your yard to help you choose the right sprinkler.
Spray Control
The sprinkle spray control allows you to adjust the angle, width, length and water pressure. This gives you better control on irrigation.
Quality
The sprinkler can be made of plastic, metal or both. Choose one that has sturdier build quality and bit heavy to prevent it from getting knocked over.
Have a question about buying oscillating sprinkler? Contact us
The Best Oscillating Sprinkler Reviews
1. Melnor Metal Oscillating Lawn Sprinkler
Best Sprinkler For New Sod
Melnor metal oscillating garden sprinkler is an excellent watering tool for 4200 square feet lawns. It has 20 precision nozzles that provide smooth water coverage and don’t clog quickly.
The build quality of the sprinkler is sturdy, although it’s made of plastic. The use of plastic means it won’t get rust or degrade over time.
You can change the water flow with zoom control at the side of the sprinkler. It allows you to shrink the water spread for a smaller section of a garden or expand it to cover the full yard.
The three-way adjustment is efficient in directing water that reduces water waste. The metal base provides sturdiness to the sprinkler and won’t tip over even at high water pressure.
The sprinkler fits with most garden hose types and is easy to use. It comes with a lifetime warranty.
See More Information about Melnor Metal Oscillating Garden Sprinkler
Pros
Cons
2. Gardena Aquazoom Sprinkler
Garden Oscillating Sprinkler
Gardena Aquazoom sprinkler is a good option for those who need more flexibility in the water coverage area. It’s made of durable plastic with an attractive design. The 18 nozzles can cover up to 3800 square-foot area with ease.
You can adjust the water spray from 23 to 69 feet, and width sprays from 13 to 18 feet. There is an easy access lever that you can slide left to right to adjust the width and length of the spray.
The adjustable angle allows you to set how far you want the sprinkler to oscillate. It reduces water waste. The sprinkler provides precise irrigation to the plants and turf that keeps your lawn green while conserving water.
The sprinkler comes with a limited 12 months of part and labor warranty.
See More Information about Gardena Aquazoom Sprinkler
Pros
Cons
3. Kärcher Oscillating Sprinkler
Best Sprinkler For Rectangular Lawn
Kärcher Oscillating Garden Sprinkler is a small sprinkler with lots of power. It has a plastic build with multiple nozzles. You can use it to water any medium to large size lawns.
It has several configuration options that set jets to be directed at different angles or turn them off individually. You can control the spray angle with slider control. It saves water by stopping waste around sidewalks or driveways.
The built-in ground fork design at the base improves stability. It prevents any tipping over due to high water pressure or knockdown. The integrated pre-filter prevents the dirt and debris from getting inside the sprinkler and clogging the nozzle.
It’s a German-made sprinkler, and you may have to use the adapter to connect with the standard American hose. Overall, it’s an excellent heavy-duty oscillating sprinkler that can last several seasons before you need to buy another.
See More Information about Kärcher Oscillating Garden Sprinkler
Pros
Cons
4. Orbit 3-Arm Sprinkler with Wheeled Base
All Metal Lawn Sprinklers
The Orbit 3-Arm sprinkler with a wheelbase is a twirling action sprinkler that provides water coverage at a full 360-degree angle. The plastic wheels allow you to move quickly and position the sprinkler in different areas of your garden.
The metallic aluminum base is very sturdy and rust-resistant. It prevents the sprinkler from tipping over and is very reliable and long-lasting. The solid metal construction body allows you to use it with high water pressure without getting it to tip over.
For those looking for a simple but sturdier sprinkler, the Orbit sprinkler is the right choice.
See More Information about Orbit 3-Arm Sprinkler with Wheeled Base
Pros
Cons
5. Ray Padula Sweeping Waters Sprinkler
Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
Ray Padula Sweeping Water Oscillating sprinkler heavy duty is a suitable choice for irrigating medium size yards. The sprinkler has a plastic-built body with metallic brass nozzles. The rust-resistant precision engineered brass nozzle provides an accurate watering pattern.
The sprinkler can cover evenly over 3200 square feet of area. The robust gear design works smoothly and last season after season. The sprinkler includes a nozzle clean-up tool to clean the clogged plug.
The modern, low-profile design prevents tipping and keeps it stable at high water pressure. The leak-free design prevents water waste. Its 32 position dial adjustment knob gives you great flexibility in controlling water flow.
You can adjust the watering pattern by rotating the green adjustment dial to clockwise and anti-clockwise. The sprinkler comes with a 5-year warranty.
See More Information about Ray Padula Sweeping Waters Sprinkler
Pros
Cons
6. Dramm Colorstorm Spinning Sprinkler
Metal Oscillating Sprinkler
Dramm Colorstorm spinning sprinkler provides excellent control over the area you want to water. It has a unique and beautiful spray pattern that can cover up to 38 feet in diameter.
It’s a great sprinkler that can work even at a low water pressure of up to 20 PSI and high-water pressure up to 80 PSI. The heavy-duty stationary base provides stability from tipping over. You have the option to buy the sprinkler in six colors.
Inside the sprinkler, the brass pin riding on a ball bearing supports the spinning sprinkler heads. It improves the life of the spinning mechanism. Zinc and aluminum-made body prevents rust and is long-lasting.
It’s a reasonably priced sprinkler that offers excellent value for the money. The gentle water output allows you to use it around flower beds or edible plants. The sprinkler comes with a lifetime guarantee from manufacturers’ defects.
See More Information about Dramm Colorstorm Spinning Sprinkler
Pros
Cons
7. Aqua Joe 3-Way Turbo Oscillation Lawn Sprinkler
Top Rated Oscillating Sprinkler
If you want an oscillating sprinkler with a customizable coverage pattern, you should consider the Aqua Joe lawn sprinkler. It stands out among sprinkler manufacturers for being well-made, accessible, and reputable brands that you can buy with confidence.
The sprinkler has a superior range width control that covers up to 4500 sq ft area. That coverage area is suitable for any medium to large size yards and garden. You get complete customization on the coverage patterns.
The plastic build quality is very sturdy, and it comes with 18 clog-resistant nozzles. You can consistently control the water flow width and the coverage range. The leak-resistant connection saves water and prevents over-watering the lawn.
The sprinkler can fit a standard-size garden hose. The turbo drive motor is well made and provides extended life operation.
See More Information about Aqua Joe 3-Way Turbo Oscillation Lawn Sprinkler
Pros
Cons
8. RAINWAVE Turbo Gear Oscillating Sprinkler with Timer
Best Oscillating Sprinkler With Timer
Rainwave Turbo gear oscillating sprinkler is suitable for anyone that wants to water their yard and not their sidewalks. This turbo gear sprinkler includes an integrated easy to use timer.
You can use the water timer between the oscillator and hose or attach it right at the spigot. It provides you greater flexibility as you can use the standalone time for other watering schedule purposes.
It’s made of durable plastic and is lightweight. The flat base design provides stability to the sprinkler, and it doesn’t move even at high water pressure. Eighteen clog-resistant high-performance nozzles provide increased coverage.
It includes a nozzle cleaning tool that you can use to clear any clogged nozzle. The adjustable-range control allows you to control the oscillating motion and angle.
The Rainwave Turbo gear oscillating sprinkler is suitable for any small to medium size yard. It uniformly covers up to 3700 sq ft area.
With its comprehensive range control option, you can use the sprinkler for narrow and broader area lawns to prevent underwater or overwater.
See More Information about RAINWAVE Turbo Gear Oscillating Sprinkler with Timer
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Cons
9. Martha Stewart Metal Base Oscillating Sprinkler
Best Value For Money
The Martha Steward Oscillating sprinkler is a reasonably priced sprinkler that keeps your grass green with the least effort. The sprinkler covers up to 3600 sq ft area that is suitable for any small to a medium-size yard.
The sprinkler has 16 durable nozzles, and a simple slider at the end to allow you to control the spray range. The metallic build quality is very sturdy, and the solid steel base provides enhanced stability and durability.
The high coverage area reduces the time you need to water your yard. Plus, you also don’t have to move sprinklers often, thus further saving time. The reliable low-base flat design means it won’t flip over even when using high water pressure.
The nozzle provides a strong spray with slow rotation to give uniform water coverage and tolerate wind. The simple design means there is less chance of failure and is suitable for those who want a simple, functional sprinkler that can last several seasons.
See More Information about Martha Stewart Metal Base Sprinkler
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Cons
10. Rocky Mountain Oscillating Sprinkler
Aluminum Frame Sprinkler
Rock Mountain Oscillating sprinkler is a dependable heavy-duty sprinkler with an aluminum frame and solid brass jet. The aluminum construction makes it rustproof and lasts longer. It’s suitable for small to medium size yards as it covers up to 3600 sq ft.
The solid flat metal base adds stability to the sprinkler with an adjustable spray direction. It has 18 clog-resistant nozzles that spray water evenly across the yard. You can adjust the oscillation and angle with an easy-to-use slide button.
It has an inbuilt water filter at the tip of the hose connector that prevents dirt and debris from getting inside the sprinkler and clogging the nozzles. It also includes a jet cleaning needle to clean any contamination in the nozzle.
The sprinkler has a simple design and can handle both low and high water pressure.
See More Information about Rocky Mountain Oscillating Sprinkler
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Cons
11. Yestar Garden Lawn Oscillating Sprinkler
Plastic Oscillating Sprinkler
Yestar Garden Lawn sprinkler is a 3 in 1 sprinkler designed to cover different sizes and layouts. You can use it to water small to large size yards, including narrow strip areas.
The sprinkler is made of plastic and is rated to have coverage of 3000 square feet. The flat sprinkler base provides it with extra stability when used at high water pressure or placed on uneven surfaces.
The uniquely designed spray tube has three presets of 6 holes, 12 holes, and 19 holes. Multiple holes in the sprinkler give you the freedom to cover broad areas. The slider is easy to use, and you can easily select the desired length and width of the water pattern.
The water inlet fits with the most standard-size American hose. The non-corroding gear motor allows you to have smoother and wider water distribution.
The cleanup needle is included with the sprinkler to clear up any clogged nozzle. The screen filter washer at the inlet prevents dirt and debris from getting inside the sprinkler.
The Yestar Garden Lawn sprinkler comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
See More Information about Yestar Garden Lawn Oscillating Sprinkler
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Cons
Why should you choose an oscillating sprinkler?
The oscillating sprinkler is an excellent choice for those who have a small to medium-size yard. It works very well for different layouts of yards, such as from square to rectangular yards. It gives you better control of where the water goes.
The sprinkler is highly portable and lightweight. You can place it wherever you need it and make efficient use of water. It’s also safe to use as there are no hidden irrigation ports on the lawn.
The installation and use are quick and easy. To get started, you only need to connect the garden hose with sprinklers and place it wherever you want to water.
For greater flexibility, you can also attach it with a water timer to get a hands-free approach to irrigating your lawn.
Although you can water your lawn at any time of the day, morning is the best time to water. In the morning, the temperature is usually cooler. Irrigating at this time reduces evaporation, and the ground absorbs water more efficiently.
The uniform watering of the grass with a turbo oscillating sprinkler gives you a consistent look in your yard. You won’t have a dry area with patchy brown grass and watered areas with lush green grass.
Read More: 8 Best Hose Reels in 2021: Review and Buying Guide For Savvy Gardener
What are the different lawn sprinkler types?
The lawn sprinkler comes in different shapes and designs. Here are some common types of sprinklers that are available to buy.
Impact Sprinkler
The impact sprinkler is the most common type to be found in the garden. It has a single but thick stream of water rotating in a full circle or half circle.
The most widespread impact sprinkler is from the RainBird that has water pressure built inside the sprinkler and pushes the water to trigger the hammer to let the water out.
With an impact sprinkler, you get a burst of water pushing outward in a jet and spray the water across your lawn. The benefit of an impact sprinkler is extensive area coverage.
You need to have good water pressure for it to work. These sprinklers don’t work well under low water pressure. Moreover, the high-pressure water jet isn’t suitable for flower or edible gardens, as it could damage the plant.
In-ground sprinkler
The in-ground sprinkler has a water pipe buried under the ground. The sprinkler head pops out to water the lawn.
It’s an excellent option for smaller gardens where you don’t want pipes to be visible in the yard. But these aren’t portable and can’t be easily moved around without digging.
Moving Sprinkler
The moving sprinkler has wheels attached to it, and it moves around covering the entire yard. The movement happens with the water pressure in the hose, and the sprinkler acts as a rotary sprinkler with wheels.
You can also lay the hose and determine the path of the sprinkler. It ensures that you get full water coverage in your yards. You need to have good water pressure for it to work.
Rotary Sprinkler
The rotary sprinkler has multiple rotating arms that move around and sprinkle water. The spinning head moves with water pressure and gives water coverage in a circular area.
Things you want in an oscillating lawn sprinklers
A good turbo oscillating sprinkler gives you greater flexibility when watering your lawn. Here are some things you need to consider when choosing one.
Coverage Area
The oscillating sprinkler is suitable for small to medium size lawns. Generally, it can water up to 25 to 35 feet away. For a bigger garden, you have to move it around to cover the entire field.
Knowing the size of your yard and the coverage area of the sprinkler helps determine how quickly you can finish watering your garden.
Nozzle
An oscillating sprinkler with more nozzles provides a better coverage area. But you have to make sure that you get enough water pressure to cover the area.
Sprinkle Control
The option to control the spray angle, width, length, and pressure give you more flexibility when watering. The adjustable head sprinkler gives you more control to spread the water evenly on your lawn.
Water Pressure
The water pressure in the hose determines how far the water can spread. Most residential oscillating sprinklers can handle home water pressure from 30 PSI to 60 PSI.
If you have a smaller yard, you can choose low-pressure ratings, but for a bigger yard, choose the high-pressure-rated sprinkler.
Build quality
You must choose a high build quality sprinkler as it lasts longer and provides reliable irrigation. It can be made of either plastic, metal, or both.
The plastic sprinkler is lightweight and can move around quickly. The metal-built sprinkler is heavy, but it’s less prone to get knocked over. You should always buy a good build quality sprinkler so it can last several seasons.
How long should you water the lawn with an oscillating sprinkler
The watering duration depends on the weather conditions, soil type, and sprinkler water flow. On average, on a small to medium-sized lawn, you can water it anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes in each area to get proper water coverage.
You should water deeply 2 to 3 times a week rather than daily. A daily watering causes the grass to develop a shallow root system that dries quickly, and the grass remains weak.
Spreading the watering schedule allows the grass root system to get healthy as it digs deeper into the ground. It makes grass strong and drought resistant.
Are rotary sprinklers better?
A rotary sprinkler is popular among gardeners due to its ease of use and greater coverage area. It’s usually cheaper than the underground irrigation system and is more portable.
It uses water efficiently and reduces waste. The rotary sprinkler, such as an oscillating sprinkler, applies water evenly in the yard, which prevents overwatering or underwatering situations.
The optimal watering to the plant and grass allows the soil to soak water and nutrients uniformly that improving the overall health of the plant. The use of a rotary sprinkler system works great for people with small to medium-size yards.
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