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Oscillating sprinklers keep your lawn looking lush by rotating to cover more surface area than a typical sprinkler. To help you select the sprinkler that’s ideal for your lawn care goals, our team researched the best oscillating sprinklers on the market today.
Here are our top five recommendations.
Top 5 Oscillating Sprinklers
- Best Overall: Melnor XT Turbo Sprinkler
- Best for Large Lawns: Orbit Impact Tripod Sprinkler
- Best Connection: Aqua Joe Indestructible Sprinkler
- Best Compact Design: Melnor MiniMax Turbo Sprinkler
- Best Coverage: GrowGreen Sprinkler
Compare Top Oscillating Sprinklers
| Product | Coverage | Dimensions | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler | 4,500 square feet | 6.7 x 17.2 x 3.1 inches | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene |
| Orbit Impact Tripod Sprinkler | 6,360 square feet | 15 x 9 x 8 inches | Brass, metal |
| Aqua Joe Indestructible Oscillating Sprinkler | 3,600 square feet | 15.9 x 5.2 x 2.4 inches | Metal |
| Melnor MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler | 4,000 square feet | 12.6 x 9.7 x 2.7 inches | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene |
| GrowGreen Sprinkler | 3,600 square feet | 9.9 x 8.1 x 4 inches | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polymer |
| Product | Coverage | Dimensions | Material |
Best Oscillating Sprinkler Overall
Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
- $35
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes twin-touch control adjustments
✔ Has Infinity turbo drive for even watering
✔ Is available in several different styles
✘ More lightweight than some other models
✘ May not be the best choice for larger lawns
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who liked this product said that it was lightweight, easily adjustable, and covered a large area. However, we also noticed that some customers said it was not as durable as they were hoping, while others said the oscillating feature didn’t work as well as expected.
Best for Large Lawns
Orbit Impact Tripod Sprinkler
- $64.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Covers a large area
✔ Can reach over tall plants thanks to its tall tripod
✔ Includes an anti-backsplash arm that helps spray water in a consistent pattern
✘ The tripod can be flimsy
✘ Gooseneck attachment is not always secure
What Customers Are Saying
We noted that several customers liked how adjustable this sprinkler was, how well it worked on large areas, and how easy it was to set up. However, others felt it was difficult to figure out how to use it, and some said that it was not made with high-quality materials.
Best Sprinklerhead Connection
Aqua Joe Indestructible Oscillating Sprinkler
- $23
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has customizable coverage patterns
✔ Includes a leak-resistant connection
✔ Has 16 clog-resistant nozzles
✘ Covers less area than some other models
✘ Sprinkler parts are not made with the most durable materials
What Customers Are Saying
According to our research, customers praised this sprinkler for its durability, maneuverability, and ease of use. On the other hand, we did find some customers who said it didn’t reach as far as they were expecting, while others said it had low water pressure.
Best Compact Sprinkler
Melnor MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
- $42
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes a turbo-drive motor that helps prevent puddling
✔ Is available with a variety of bases, including a tripod, sled, and spike
✔ Has four-way adjustment, which helps you better control where the water is going
✘ Does not come with a nozzle cleaner
✘ Grip for connecting to a hose could be improved
What Customers Are Saying
Our team found that several customers who praised this product liked that it worked particularly well in low-water pressure areas. Others were impressed by its durability and its large coverage area. However, others felt the sprinkler was not durable, and some had issues with leaking.
Best Coverage
GrowGreen Sprinkler
- $35
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Provides high water pressure level
✔ Is fully adjustable
✔ Is made with rust-proof polymer and durable ABS plastic
✘ Nozzles can sometimes get clogged
✘ Some pieces are not as durable as they would be if they were made with metal construction
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who were impressed by this product liked that it covered a large area, had high water pressure levels, and also worked great as a sprinkler for kids. On the other hand, we noted that other customers felt this sprinkler didn’t hold up as well as they were hoping over time, and some had problems with adjusting it.
Buying Guide to Oscillating Sprinklers
Before choosing what oscillating sprinkler head is best for your needs, it’s important to consider several factors. We created this buying guide to help you narrow down your oscillating water sprinkler options to find the best option for you.
Adjustability
Some oscillating sprinklers have adjustable nozzles, allowing you to change where the water is hitting. These nozzles help you to water more area before needing to move the sprinkler.
Coverage Area
Manufacturers will tell you how large of an area their oscillating lawn sprinklers can cover. This coverage area can vary from less than 2,000 square feet to over 4,500 square feet. If you have a larger lawn, look for a sprinkler with a larger coverage area. Even then, you may still have to move the sprinkler a few times to water every area.
Material Composition
Most sprinklers are made of plastic because it’s more affordable. However, this plastic can warp or crack under direct sunlight. Metal bases are a more durable alternative, but it costs more.
Tips for Best Utilizing Your Sprinkler
When using an oscillating lawn or garden sprinkler, there are some steps you should be taking to ensure you’re getting the best use and keeping your lawn as healthy as possible. Here are some important things to remember when operating a sprinkler.
Water at the right time of day: Watering your lawn in the early morning or late evening is generally the best time to use a sprinkler. This helps to minimize water evaporation and allows the grass and plants to absorb the water before the heat of the day. Avoid watering during windy conditions to prevent water wastage.
Avoid overwatering: To help ensure your lawn is growing to its maximum potential, be careful about overwatering. Overwatering can lead to shallow root growth, fungal diseases, and water wastage. Most lawns typically require about an inch of water per week, including rainfall, but it will depend on the overall size of the lawn.
Use the correct sprinkler type: Different types of sprinklers are suited for different areas and watering needs. For example, oscillating sprinklers are great for large areas, while drip irrigation systems are ideal for targeted watering of plants.
Position your sprinkler correctly: Place the sprinkler in a central location that allows for even coverage of the desired area. Be mindful of any obstacles that may block your watering, such as trees or structures like a shed or patio. Adjust the sprinkler’s position and spray pattern as needed to ensure adequate water coverage.
Monitor water flow: Regularly check the water flow and pressure of your sprinkler system. Ensure that the water is reaching the desired area without an excessive amount of water runoff. If you notice issues such as low water pressure or clogged nozzles, address them promptly to maintain efficient watering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oscillating Sprinklers
How do I know when my lawn has been watered enough?
Your lawn needs about one inch of water, including rainwater, per week. This is enough to moisten the soil six to eight inches down, allowing it to grow and stay green. If you’re unsure what one inch looks like, try the container test. Place small containers around your yard, and time how long it takes for these containers to fill with one inch of water. That’s the amount of time you should leave your sprinkler running in the future.
What time of day should I water my lawn?
The best time to water your lawn is in the morning after the sun rises but before the day reaches its hottest point. If you water it while the sun is down, the water will pool, and if you water it during the hottest part of the day, the water will evaporate before it gets absorbed.
What’s the quick connector on my sprinkler?
The quick connector is the piece that your garden hose connects to. If your sprinkler doesn’t have this piece, you can purchase it separately.
How We Selected the Best Oscillating Sprinklers
To provide our readers with the best oscillating sprinkler options possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of models with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of garden, lawn, and outdoor products—from fertilizer and garden hoses to patio furniture and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
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