1
Best Overall
Melnor Turbo Oscillator
Credit: Amazon
Oscillating sprinklers have moveable heads that rotate back and forth, which means they can cover quite a large area. This model has a 4,500-square-foot reach with an adjustable range, making it ideal for most lawn shapes and sizes. It also has a timer that can be set for up to two hours and automatically shuts off.
Type | Oscillating |
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Spray coverage | 4,500 square feet |
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Coverage pattern | Adjustable |
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Hose size | 5/8 inch standard garden hose |
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Water pressure | 40 PSI |
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Material | Plastic |
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2
Best for Medium to Large Lawns
Orbit Gear Drive Sprinkler
Credit: Amazon
A rotary lawn sprinkler provides a lot of lawn and garden coverage, thanks to its ability to rotate up to 360 degrees. That means it can cover a lot of ground very fast―in this case, over 5,000 square feet. It offers six spray patterns and hooks up within minutes of opening the box. Just spike it into the ground and you're ready to go.
Type | Rotating |
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Spray coverage | 5,026 square feet |
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Coverage pattern | Adjustable, partial to full-circle |
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Hose size | 3/4 and 5/8 inch-hoses |
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Water pressure | 65 PSI |
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Material | Metal |
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3
Best for Small Spaces
Gilmour Circular Sprinkler
Credit: Amazon
This stationary Gilmour has a 30-foot radius, making it ideal for smaller areas like a vegetable garden or a small lawn. It's also great for low water pressure areas, releasing a consistent spray in a perfect circle. And did we mention it's less than $10?
Type | Stationary |
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Spray coverage | 900 square feet |
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Coverage pattern | Full-circle |
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Water pressure | Low |
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Material | Metal |
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4
Most Durable
Rain Bird Brass Impact Sprinkler
Now 32% Off
Credit: AmazonYou know that classic pulsing sound you might associate with sprinklers? That's from a pulsating sprinkler, also called an impact sprinkler. This brass beauty is built to last, can rotate up to 360 degrees around, and covers up to a 41-foot distance. That pulsing water can be quite strong, so this is best for lawns, not delicate plants.
Type | Impact |
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Spray coverage | 5,200 square feet |
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Coverage pattern | Full-circle |
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Hose size | 1/2 inch male pipe thread connection |
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Water pressure | 70 PSI |
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Material | Brass |
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5
Most Versatile
Orbit Traveling Train Sprinkler
Credit: Walmart
If you have an oddly shaped space and want to get in all those nooks and crannies, or if you like the idea of hand watering your lawn but it takes too much time to cover a large space, try a traveling sprinkler. It has three speed options and can cover up to 13,500 square feet of space, though it's adjustable for shorter distances, too. It also has an automatic shutoff function!
Type | Traveling |
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Spray coverage | 13,500 square feet |
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Coverage pattern | Rotating circular spray |
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Hose size | 5/8 inch standard garden hose |
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Water pressure | 120 PSI |
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Material | Cast iron |
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6
Best Tripod
Metal Pulsating Sprinkler with Tripod
Credit: Amazon
Take a lawn sprinkler and prop it up for maximum coverage. The sturdy metal tripod that comes with this option extends up to 48 inches, providing elevated, rain-like coverage for lawns and gardens up to 85 feet in diameter, so it's perfect if you've got tall bushes to clear. The all-metal pulsating head is also adjustable, ensuring precise watering where needed.
Type | Pulsating |
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Spray coverage | 5,600 square feet |
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Coverage pattern | Circular |
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Hose size | 5/8 inch standard garden hose |
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Water pressure | 120 PSI |
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Material | Metal |
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7
Best In-Ground System
Rain Bird In-Ground Sprinkler System Kit
Credit: Amazon
If you want to invest in an in-ground system but don't want to spend all that money having someone else do it, try this DIY version. It's fully automatic and can cover lawns up to 3,000 square feet. The best part is that the heads retract back into the ground when you have to mow. The only downside is that you can't expand this system with more hoses.
Type | In-ground sprinkler system kit |
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Spray coverage | 2,700 to 12,250 square feet |
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Coverage pattern | Adjustable |
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Hose size | 1/2 inch male pipe thread connection |
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Water pressure | 45 to 75 PSI |
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Material | Plastic |
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AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
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