10 Best Oscillating Sprinklers of 2021

Manually watering large areas of land can become tedious and impractical after a point. Thankfully, we have lawn water sprinklers to do the job for us. One of the main advantages of oscillating sprinklers is that they cover large areas, uniformly distributing water on all sides. Put in the simplest of terms, these sprinklers disperse water in a fashion that’s similar to rainfall. They are ideal if you’re looking for an inexpensive alternative to installing an underground sprinkler system. Oscillating sprinklers are also best suited for rectangular-shaped lawns or for yards with freshly planted grass seeds.

Listed below are our picks of the best oscillating sprinklers:

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1. Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler

The Melnor XT Turbo tops our list of the best oscillating sprinklers because of one main reason – its adaptability. With it, you aren’t limited to fixed widths. You can set it to spray water in a narrow pattern as well as a wide one. Regardless of your yard, you can adjust this sprinkler’s watering pattern both in terms of its width(patented feature) and length – making it suitable for yards of all sizes.

Ease of use is a central part of this sprinkler – adjust its sprinkling width from 53-inches to 20-inches with just a touch. This feature eliminates the need to turn off the sprinkler to change the water flow, thereby saving you the plausible inconvenience of getting drenched while you reposition the sprinkler. Its 20 precision nozzles facilitate an even coverage at up to 4200 square feet. You’ll also appreciate that its price tag isn’t that demanding, given the equipment’s commendable features and performance. Plus, you can expect longevity, thanks to its turbo-drive motor. 

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Pros:

• Users can control the width, range, and flow of its watering system.
• Switch width options with just one touch.
• Resistant to clogging even under high pressure.

Cons:

• Adjustment pieces may not be the sturdiest.

2. Gardena Oscillating Sprinkler ZoomMaxx

The chief attraction of this sprinkler from Gardena is that it is more customizable than most other oscillating sprinklers. It adapts to gardens of medium and small sizes. The common consensus among reviewers is that other than its customizability, this sprinkler is a good buy because of its easy-to-use controls, robust nature, and consistent performance. 

It may not offer the most impressive coverage, but this sprinkler does the job for small to medium yards. Homeowners with irregular-shaped lawns are also likely to find this sprinkler more than satisfactory. In terms of convenience, its metal step spike keeps it firmly on the ground when it is in use, offering users good control even when on slanted areas. Be sure to explore the many widths, lengths, and spray ranges that this sprinkler offers.

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Pros:

• Built-in mesh filter that prevents blockage.
• Comes with tons of range, width, and length options.
• Connectable with connectors and hoses.
• Stable use even on uneven topographies.

Cons:

• Does not have indicators for adjustment levels and dials.
• Pricey, considering most of its parts are plastic.

3. Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler

The Aqua Joe oscillating sprinkler may have many plastic components, but its base is made of metal that many users say is almost indestructible. The choice of material may be a contributing factor to this sprinkler’s low cost. Despite its price, it puts up stiff competition to other oscillating sprinklers, with its wide coverage (3600 square feet) and customizable water flow patterns. 

One of the best ways to tell that you’re getting your money’s worth is if the equipment adapts to your needs rather than the other way around. This sprinkler is the former – with 16 nozzles that allow you total control over the range and width of water coverage. Given its price, you’ll also find it pleasantly surprising that this sprinkler comes with an inbuilt clean-out tool, a feature that some mid-range and expensive models lack. Lastly, this sprinkler is worth every dollar because it is quite heavy, considering it is mostly plastic – allowing a secure and accurate placement while in use.

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Pros:

• Impressive coverage for its budget.
• Customizable water patterns.
• Leak-proof connection to standard hoses. 

Cons:

• May not be ideal if you aren’t big on plastic equipment.

4. Dramm Colorstorm Oscillating Sprinkler (15004)

If ease of maintenance is a priority, you’ll find the Dramm Colorstorm 15004 oscillating sprinkler pleasing. Cleaning out any equipment is vital for its health. To ensure a hassle-free cleaning process is this lawn equipment’s cleanout pin that’s attached to its spray tube’s end. Take it out and use it to conveniently clean the sprinkler’s spray jets. 

Adjust its dial and tab to secure different water patterns, whether it’s for watering large areas or low-pressure coverage for your kids to frolic around in the yard during the summer. This sprinkler model is available in six fun colors – making it an exciting addition to your vibrant yard. You can expect uniform water coverage every time with this sprinkler.

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Pros:

• Cost friendly.
• Lifetime warranty.
• Heavy-duty body construction.

Cons:

• Not the best for high-water-pressure use.

5. Rocky Mountain Goods Metal Oscillating Sprinkler

This sprinkler from Rocky Mountain Goods has the looks and delivers a good performance. If you think its striking body and color are exciting, wait until we tell you all about its features. Let’s begin with its body since it is a prominent attraction about this sprinkler. It features an aluminum base and plastic tube that are resistant to rust. Besides, the sprinkler can take on heavy-duty usage.

With this sprinkler in hand, you can limit the watering to your lawn by effectively using its width and range control options. Acquaint yourself with them, and you can do away with flooding your driveway every time you water your yard. To ensure an uninterrupted usage, the equipment comes with a cleaning needle and inlet filter that keep the nozzles clean. 

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Pros:

• Lifetime warranty.
• Wide coverage of 4100 square feet.
• Suitable for heavy-duty usage.

Cons:

• Hose connector is short and not the most feasible.

6. Melnor XT Mini-Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler

As the name suggests, the Melnor XT Mini-Turbo sprinkler is more compact than most other equipment in its category. Regardless of its size, it offers a smooth and efficient operation. For optimum watering performance, it boasts an integrated flow dial. To adjust the sprinkler’s watering width pattern, simply move the setting to that of your choice. You can set the sprinkler to let out water at 360 degrees, ensuring that every corner of your lawn receives attention.

The sprinkler’s infinity motor equips it to handle both low and high water pressures. The amount of water it sprays depends on the pressure of the water. Nonetheless, this sprinkler gets the job done without water wastage. Given its small size, it’s safe to say that the sprinkler does not take up much storage room when it is not in use. 

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Pros:

• Compact size but covers a large area.
• Patented one-touch adjustment controls.
• Rotates at 360 degrees.
• Operates at low and high pressures.

Cons:

• Can be susceptible to leaking.

7. GrowGreen Rotating Lawn Sprinkler

If we were to call out three selling points about this sprinkler off the top of our heads, they would be its 360-degree rotation capability, 80 PSI, and 32.8 feet water-spraying range. Other than that, this sprinkler hits the right spot with its base that’s carefully designed to ensure it remains intact on the ground when in use. 

You’ll love this sprinkler if you’re looking for one that spins fast. To reduce the spin, try lowering the water pressure. Durability shouldn’t be an issue because the equipment is made of premium-quality ABS plastic and polymer that is resistant to rust. It is also meant to be easy to set up and to spray the lawn with water without going overboard with the water usage. 

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Pros:

• Easy to set up.
• Made of high-quality ABS plastic and rust-proof polymer.
• Spins water rapidly.
• Delivers even water spraying without wastage.

Cons:

• Its plastic parts, such as its head and the inner ring, are not the most durable.

8. Nelson 8-pattern Stationary Sprinkler

This lawn water sprinkler from Nelson may not be the fanciest looking, but it worms its way into this list of the best oscillating sprinklers because of its patterning. It has eight pattern sprays that allow it to spout water in almost every corner of a garden. Choose from its eight preset patterns (½ circle, ¼ circle, rectangle square, halo, triangle, to name a few) to water flower beds of all shapes and sizes. 

Material wise, the sprinkler features a plastic top late and a metal base. We also appreciate the height of water disposal. This sprinkler dispenses water at a low height, which means that your plants are the ones getting the water, and not your walls of the surrounding area. It is especially great for use in small gardens that are oddly shaped.

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Pros:

• Eight preset watering patterns.
• Great for small or ‘unusually shaped’ yards.

Cons:

• Not enough weight to attach to a hose.

9. Orbit Easy-click Oscillating Sprinkler (56133)

The Orbit 56133 Easy-click oscillating sprinkler is surprisingly lightweight for its size. It is compact, no doubt, but it is at par with most of the other ‘heavier’ sprinklers on this list. This lightweight quality is beneficial if you prefer working with gardening equipment that’s easy to carry around or reposition. 

On the performance front, this sprinkler’s 15 spray nozzles does the trick – ensuring uniform water coverage. A good sprinkler allows users a sense of control. Delivering on that is this sprinkler’s adjustments that let you adjust its settings, so you are in charge of the distance at which water sprays out. Its plastic base prevents tipping.

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Pros:

• Quiet operation.
• Lightweight and budget-friendly.
• Plastic base prevents tipping.

Cons:

• Made of plastic. 

10. Eden 94116 Metal Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler

This oscillating sprinkler from Eden delivers both in terms of looks and performance. It boasts a grand-looking metal base that’s as sturdy as it gets. Holding space for 20 nozzles, this sprinkler ensures even coverage. Its 4973 square feet coverage capability and its adjustable range controls offer you command over the force and range of water dispensing. 

Contributing to the sprinkler’s performance is its turbo drive motor that delivers a consistent performance. For your convenience, its controls are easy to access and adjust. They are also precise, meaning you can quickly adjust the water spraying pattern of this sprinkler depending on what part of the garden or lawn you’re watering. The inbuilt cleaning tool keeps the sprinkler’s nozzles clean and functioning healthily for a long time.

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Pros:

• Connector is leakproof.
• Maximum coverage.
• Built-in cleaning tool.
• Compatible with all garden hoses.

Cons:

• On the pricey side.

Oscillating Sprinklers Buyer’s Guide:

Different sprinklers have varying features or physical attributes that make it ‘better’ than its peers. Nonetheless, at the end of the day, there are certain factors that distinguish a good oscillating sprinkler from a not so great one. Some of these aspects are:

Coverage Area

Knowing the shape and size of your lawn goes a long way when figuring out the extent of water coverage of a sprinkler. 

Spray Distance

Sprinklers with more holes offer better coverage. Consider your lawn’s size to settle on an appropriate ‘spray distance’ for your sprinkler.

Nozzles

Nozzles in oscillating sprinklers set the tone for the accuracy of its water delivery. 

Adjustability

For your benefit, you want sprinklers that offer you control of the range, length, and width of water coverage.

Conclusion

The purpose of sprinklers is to keep your grass hydrated, so they remain green and thriving. Some models may be more interesting to look at, and some others loaded with more features. Nonetheless, at the end of the day, as long as your sprinkler is doing what it is supposed to do, you don’t have to worry about things.