The 8 Best Fertilizer Spreaders of 2023

Best Overall

Scotts Elite Broadcast Spreader

4.7

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With a large coverage area and easy operation, the Scotts Elite Spreader takes our top spot. It can hold up to 20,000 square feet (larger than a hockey rink) of lawn product, making it a solid choice for midsize yards. Also, the Scotts Elite Spreader is for year-round use: In addition to spreading seed and fertilizer, it comes in handy for spreading rock salt and ice melt in the wintertime. This spreader's handle also folds down for compact storage. Since it arrives pre-assembled, all you need to do is snap on the wheels and unfold the handle.

The ergonomic handle makes it easy to maneuver, and the product is equipped with a smartphone holder for added convenience. Thanks to dual-rotor technology, the Scotts Elite Spreader can distribute products twice as fast as some other products, allowing you to cover a large area in minimal time. What’s more, it spreads product evenly on a 6-foot path for accurate coverage. However, since the rotary spreader discharges in a line, stripes may appear on your lawn.

The soft plastic wheels roll smoothly on most terrain, and they’re filled with foam, which means they never go flat. However, the product struggles to glide over rough ground, and some material can become stuck in the tires.

Price at time of publish: $150

_{Type: Walk-behind, rotary | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 20.07 x 23.63 x 23.31 inches | Coverage Area: 20,000 square feet | Weight: 19.75 pounds}

Best Budget

Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader

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At just $50, the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader is ideal for budget-friendly shoppers who need to complete light-duty jobs. The walk-behind fertilizer spreader holds up to 5,000 square feet (about the size of a basketball court) of lawn product, making it suitable for yards up to 10,000 square feet. Equipped with a fold-down handle, this compact spreader is also easy to store. At just 10 pounds, its lightweight and easy-to-maneuver frame is comfortable to push around your yard for an extended period. 

The EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader is suitable for spreading seed, fertilizer, ice melt, and more, but the manufacturer notes it’s not to be used with rock salt. For accurate coverage, a control dial allows users to select the appropriate setting for the material they’re spreading. A curved hopper (the barrel of the spreader) and dual-bladed agitator helps smooth application and make coverage more consistent.

This unit features EdgeGuard Technology, which prevents lawn products from being spread onto driveways, sidewalks, and landscaping. For added convenience, this spreader comes pre-calibrated and fully assembled. The only downside is the hard plastic wheels, which don’t perform as well as air-filled tires on varying terrain. They don’t roll as smoothly on uneven ground and can block the spread of the product.

Price at time of publish: $50

_{Type: Walk-behind, rotary | Material: Metal | Dimensions: 45.25 x 20 x 16 inches | Coverage Area: 5,000 square feet | Weight: 10.67 pounds}

Best Splurge

EarthWay 2150 50 LB Commercial Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader

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You can find similar machines for lower prices, but this commercial-grade spreader from Earthway has several heavy-duty components and convenient features to justify its high price tag. The rustproof poly hopper, which has a 50-pound capacity, is ideal for yards up to an acre in size. A patented three-hole drop system spreads fertilizer, salt, or seed evenly, and side-spread control allows for precise application. And, thanks to a fully enclosed gearbox, you don’t have to worry about clogged or blocked drop holes. 

This walk-behind spreader also features an adjustable handle, with two height positions for comfortable operation. The wide, 13-inch pneumatic (air-filled) tires roll smoothly on any terrain, and they should not go flat. Plus, the sturdy frame improves stability in rugged conditions, and the spreader has an impressive 175-pound load-bearing capacity. If you're experienced with mechanics, you could likely assemble this product with little trouble, but it is time-consuming. Also, depending on where you buy this product from, it may have longer shipping times.

Price at time of publish: $375

_{Type: Walk-behind, rotary | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 23.63 x 14.5 x 15.75 inches | Coverage Area: 43,560 square feet (1 acre) | Weight: 27 pounds}

Best for Large Yards

Agri-Fab 130 lb Push Broadcast Spreader

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Thanks to a flow control with adjustable stop on this push broadcast spreader from Agri-Fab, you can apply a precise amount of product to your lawn. Its wide, 12-foot spread pattern helps ensure efficient and uniform coverage, and its 130-pound capacity makes it ideal for yards up to 1 acre (you will have to refill it once to cover a 1-acre lawn). “It is imperative to use a large spreader to evenly place fertilizers and various other treatments on the lawn and landscape,” says Melissa Lallo Johnson, a master gardener based in Kansas City, Missouri. The product is intended for year-round operation, so users can spread lawn products in warmer months, and ice melt in wintertime.

This walk-behind spreader features large pneumatic tires, which are easy to maneuver and provide a smooth ride, even over rough terrain. Plus, the enclosed commercial-grade gearbox features aluminum beveled gears, which prevents clogs.

This unit requires assembly and needs to be calibrated. (Assembly is straightforward and should take about an hour or so.) At over $200, this is a pricier fertilizer spreader than other options on this list. If you encounter any defects, the product is backed by a 3-year warranty if you’re not fully satisfied. 

Price at time of publish: $250

_{Type: Walk-behind, rotary | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 33.62 x 27.12 x 48 inches | Coverage Area: 21,780 square feet (0.5 acres) | Weight: 35 pounds}

Best Drop

Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader

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The Scotts Classic Drop Spreader is ideal for properties with plant beds, tree rings, and other heavily landscaped areas that require precise application. Its large-capacity hopper can hold up to 10,000 square feet (roughly larger than two regulation basketball courts) of lawn product. With a 22-inch spread pattern, the Classic Drop Spreader delivers superb coverage and accuracy; plus, a gate control on the handle allows users to adjust the flow rate. (Just note that it is only designed to be used for seed and fertilizer.)

This unit arrives fully assembled and pre-calibrated, but we will point out the tubular frame is durable; however, the other parts are made of lightweight plastic, which may feel flimsy. Like other basic spreaders in Scotts’ lineup, it has hard plastic wheels that struggle on uneven terrain. If it breaks over time, you can take advantage of Scotts’ “No-Quibble” guarantee: If you are not satisfied with your purchase, they will issue a refund or provide a replacement. (Proof of purchase is required.)

Price at time of publish: $90

_{Type: Walk-behind, drop | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 47 x 32 x 18 inches | Coverage Area: 10,000 square feet | Weight: 12.6 pounds}

Best Handheld

Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader

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The Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader is a great handheld choice for small yards under 5,000 square feet (about the size of a basketball court). Its compact size and light weight make it convenient to carry and store. Thanks to its slide-out, adjustable arm support and smooth handle, it’s also comfortable to hold for an extended period. This spreader holds up to 1,500 square feet of lawn product, so it's great for smaller yards and hard-to-reach grass areas. 

This unit arrives fully assembled and ready to use, a major plus. It’s very easy to operate: All you need to do is fill the hopper, pull the trigger, and crank the handle clockwise. An adjustable dial allows you to control the amount of product you want to apply. Another advantage is it’s made of plastic, so you don't have to worry about fertilizer, ice melt, and other materials corroding it—a common concern with metal fertilizer spreaders.

The downside to a handheld spreader is it’s not as accurate as larger, walk-behind models. Since the application rate varies depending on how fast you walk and crank the handle, results aren’t always consistent. This spreader clogs easily, but it is covered by Scotts' “No-Quibble” guarantee.

Price at time of publish: $29

_{Type: Handheld, rotary | Material: Poly | Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.7 x 13.1 inches | Coverage Area: 1,500 square feet | Weight: 1.15 pounds}

Best Tow-Behind

Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader

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The Agri-Fab 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader can be hitched to a lawn tractor, riding lawn mower, tractor, or other vehicle to spread product over large-acreage lawns. With a universal hitch, it attaches easily to any tractor. Its heavy-duty hopper has a 130-pound capacity and a spread pattern of 10 to 12 feet. Thanks to four 13-inch pneumatic wheels, it’s incredibly stable and easy to maneuver, even on curves and uneven ground. You can use this pull-behind spreader to apply seed, fertilizer, herbicide, ice melt, and more.

A steel-flow control arm offers precise setting adjustments for even spreading. (This lever, which is located behind the driver, is a bit awkward to maneuver from a mower seat, however.) The enclosed gearbox prevents clogs and other malfunctions. Also, this product requires assembly, which can be a bit tedious and time-consuming because of its numerous parts.

Price at time of publish: $250

_{Type: Pull-behind, rotary | Material: Plastic hopper | Dimensions: 31.5 x 27.13 x 46 inches | Coverage Area: 21,780 square feet (0.5 acres) | Weight: 37 pounds}