The best garden sprinklers are an important tool for an outdoor space in the sun – ideal for any hot weather. They also provide an easy hands-free way to water your lawn and garden, keeping your grass looking green and healthy. So when you pull out your very best lawn mower - you can rest assured that all the effort is worth it by ensuring your lawn is lush and hydrated.
The best garden sprinklers bring convenience to your gardening routine and help maintain the beauty and vitality of your outdoor oasis, along with regular mowing.
Best garden sprinklers at a glance
• Best Oscillating garden sprinkler for range: Hozelock Pro Oscillating Sprinkler
• Best garden sprinkler for small areas: Gardena Aqua S Rectangular Sprinkler
• Best Round Garden Sprinkler for rotating: Hozelock Round Garden Sprinkler Plus
• Best rotating garden sprinkler on a budget: Amlion Garden Sprinkler
Whether you use the best electric lawn mower or petrol-fuelled model, you can create a perfectly manicured and well-hydrated landscape to enjoy throughout the warmer months. These efficient and user-friendly sprinklers ensure that every inch of your garden receives the hydration it needs for lush lawn growth.
Best garden sprinkler
Best oscillating garden sprinkler for range
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This Hozelock garden sprinkler is a versatile 2-in-1. It features a jet spray for lawns and a fine spray for seedlings. These features allow for more efficient and hassle-free watering. Reaching a maximum area of 314m², this rotating sprinkler can water a full (or part) circle. With even coverage due to the water-powered motor, can you really go wrong?
Review: "I purchased this sprinkler as my husband was constantly setting timers and having to move our previous sprinkler around the garden... much to the amusement of our neighbours! This model is fantastic it has various ranges and can be adjusted accordingly, easy to use and durable. Fantastic price too."
Pros
- Versatile 2-in-1 jet and fine spray options
- Covers up to 314m² with even coverage
Cons
- Some may only need a basic model
Best garden sprinkler for small areas
For even and reliable watering, why not grab this sprinkler from Gardena? It covers a square or rectangular area of 90 to 220 m². Simply, connect the sprinkler to your garden hose - and your garden gets watered. You even can precisely adjust the spray range. Not only that, but the sprinkler has an internal filter that prevents dirt particles from getting in.
Review: "Don't know why I hadn't bought one of these before. Normally spend ages in the garden with a hose watering the garden. With this I just put it on and leave it, occasionally going out to change the position to another place on the lawn. Good coverage and ability to narrow the angle of coverage. Happy with product."
Pros
- Covers 90 to 220 m² with an adjustable spray range
- The internal filter prevents dirt particles
Cons
- Maybe too small for some gardens
Best round garden sprinkler for rotating
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The Hozelock Round Sprinkler Plus is a rotating sprinkler that operates as a jet spray for watering turf and established plants - or a mist spray for watering delicate plants or seedlings. Simply turn the knob to change the spray mode. The maximum area coverage is 254m² - or 18m in diameter. This sprinkler is mounted on a sled base to suit all surfaces.
Review: "Easy to use and I've spent a lot of time standing watering the garden by hand. Now only need to put this on the lawn three times moving each time to water the whole of the new lawn. Brilliant!"
Pros
- Jet and mist spray options for various plant types
- Maximum coverage of 254m² with 18m diameter
Cons
- Maybe too flashy for some
Best multi-jet garden sprinkler
The Hozelock Multi Sprinkler is a dial sprinkler that covers a maximum area of 79m². Mounted on a sled base, it's suitable for all surfaces. The soft-touch, easy-grip adjuster ring means you can change the spray setting at any time. Plus, this sprinkler suits all gardens - due to eight spray patterns. These range from a small semi-circle to a large circle, and square to a remote jet.
Review: "Bought this for the dual purpose of entertaining the children and watering our modest front and rear gardens and it has proved excellent for both. The multi-functions give you all you need for watering your garden generally or a specific areas/plant. There are also a number of the settings that the children can run into and over which will give them hours of fun in hot weather. The product looks and feels well-engineered, as you would expect from Hozelock."
Pros
- Eight spray patterns for versatile watering
- Soft-touch, easy-grip adjuster ring
Cons
- Maximum coverage limited to 79m²
Best rotating garden sprinkler on a budget
Made from premium quality material, this Amlion sprinkler is priced reasonably low compared to other items on our list. Control the distance sprayed by adjusting the water pressure. With 360° rotating and three nozzles, each jet has three different angles, which can cover a wide irrigation area. Easy to use, simply connect to your water source. Great for a small garden.
Review: "Great little sprinkler. We use it with a flexi-hose and the only issue is that you have to have it turned on full (for the pipe to expand to the max) if you want to use it in the corner of the garden. Has a great coverage area and we currently leave the tap on only slightly, resulting in this gentle slow small 'fountain-like sprinkler. Highly recommend (and the fitting is very versatile, we were able to simply screw it onto the flexihose)."
Pros
- Reasonably priced with 360° rotation and three nozzles
- Wide irrigation area coverage
Cons
- Best suited for small gardens
Best spike garden sprinkler
This high-performance metal spike sprinkler is great if you want to keep your sprinkler out of the way. It reaches a maximum area coverage of 314m² and up to 20m in diameter. Plus, the rotating sprinkler can water a full or partial circle. With this, there is ultra-even coverage due to the water-powered motor and two spray patterns. To clarify, the spiked design promises durability and a secure fit in the turf or border during use. We like this one.
Review: "I'm re-seeding my lawn in September so I needed to find a sprinkler that will work from the 'sidelines', as I won't be able to walk on the lawn to water it. This sprinkler is a lot bigger than expected but comes with a metal spike which goes into the soil with no issues. Adjustability is good and I have found that the 'spray' setting works better than the 'jet' setting. Overall I'm happy with this sprinkler at the moment, would recommend it!"
Pros
- Covers up to 314m² with even coverage
- Durable and secure spiked design
Cons
- You may prefer a rotating model
Best luxury garden sprinkler
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This AquaZoom compact sprinkler from Gardena is perfect for watering flower and vegetable beds, with even spray coverage ranging from 9-216m. Simply set the range and go. If you need to remove any blockages, make sure to run your finger across the sprinkler nozzles. Plus, this set comes with a Waterstop, allowing you to remove the sprinkler from the hose without dripping. We love this sprinkler from Gardena.
Review: "Well built and works really well. This is the best sprinkler I have purchased and works well on my low water pressure. So, I have now purchased a second one for my other border. I have had several different designs before that did not cover the stated area on my reduced pressure. I can recommend this device without reservation."
Pros
- Even spray coverage for flower and vegetable beds
- Comes with a Waterstop for easy removal
Cons
- Requires manual nozzle cleaning for blockages
Garden sprinkler FAQs
What should I look for in a garden sprinkler?
Features – You need to find a garden sprinkler that suits your lifestyle and garden. Luckily, there are plenty of types of garden sprinklers to suit all outdoor spaces and purposes. For example, some are designed to shoot water high into the air, and over a longer distance than others. Some are equipped with multiple functions.
Coverage - When you want to water another area of the garden, you can move sprinklers manually. But you should be thinking about placement. Make sure to measure your garden to ensure you make the best decision for your space.
Motion – Generally, sprinklers are designed to fan back and forth – or move water in a circular manner. Some are low to the ground, and some are mounted on stands. However, some sprinklers are self-propelling. Different motions are suited to different purposes. For example, oscillating sprinklers might be better for a veggie patch – which is low down.
How do I install a garden sprinkler?
Most sprinklers are easy to operate. You just hook them up to a garden hose and turn on the outdoor tap.
When do I use my sprinkler?
If you want to keep water from evaporating in the heat of summer, water in the early morning hours. This will also prevent scorching your lawn or plants. Plus, you can use the sprinkler at night. However, if the water is left on plant leaves too long, they might develop fungal diseases.
Further, sprinklers can also be connected to a timer for added convenience.
This "Smart Timer" is compatible with your Alexa and Google Home.
Are there any disadvantages to using a sprinkler?
To clarify, sprinklers are not the most efficient, water-conserving method for watering.
This is because most of them are designed to shower water down from above. So, water may not get to the areas that need it. This is why getting the right sprinkler for your garden is so important.
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Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Modern Gardens Magazine, an all-rounder. When she’s not writing about houseplants, she’s tending to her own growing collection…