The 5 Best Sprinklers of 2021

Best Overall Sprinkler: Blisstime Lawn Sprinkler, Rotary Three Arm

Buy on Amazon

Lawns come in all shapes and sizes. For the best overall pick, this sprinkler needs to be able to adapt to changing curves and dimensions that exist between different front and backyards. The Webram Lawn sprinkler is a budget friendly option that uses the standard circular, rotating spray pattern that is effective for small to medium lawns.

The sprinkler features twelve individual nozzles mounted on three rotating arms. You can individually adjust the nozzles and arms to change the spray angle, giving you an almost infinite amount of fine control over the pattern. Larger angles will let you cover more area without creating any dead spots in the pattern. The rotating nozzles will also make sure water is distributed evenly within the coverage area.

Best Pulsating Sprinkler: Melnor 9550C Pulsating Sprinkler on Metal Spike

Buy on Walmart

Pulsating or impact sprinklers are the type of sprinkler you need when range is important. To toss water extra far, sprinklers like the Melnor 9550C use a small, paddle mechanism to project the water as it exits the nozzle. Rotating on a sturdy, metal spike, the nozzle can launch water up to 85 feet in a circular pattern.

The rotation of the nozzle is adjustable from a narrow 30 degrees all the way to a full 360 degree circle. The spike cuts into the ground for extra stability without tearing up your yard as you move the sprinkler around to cover different areas. The spike is made of die-cast zinc so you can drive it into hard soils without much effort.

Best Oscillating Sprinkler: Melnor 4500 sq. ft. Deluxe Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler

Buy on Home Depot

For traditional rectangular or square yards, rotating sprinklers aren’t as efficient to cover all of the grass without wasting a lot of water. Circular patterns create a lot of overlap as you move the sprinkler around, meaning you will probably end up watering the sidewalk, driveway, or patio along the way. Oscillating sprinklers like Melnor’s 4000 Deluxe prevent this from happening by creating an efficient angular spray pattern.

In total, 18 clog-resistant nozzles spray water back and forth to cover up to 4000 square feet. The back and forth motion of the sprinkler distributes water evenly over a large surface area without wasting additional water. Internally, the sprinkler is also designed to separate the water from the turbo drive motor so small parts aren’t damaged from impurities.

Best Stationary Sprinkler: Gilmour 1,225 sq. ft. 8-Pattern Stationary Sprinkler

Buy on Home Depot Buy on Ace Hardware

A stationary sprinkler is one of the most reliable and flexible options you can buy, especially if you don’t have a larger yard to cover. Without any rotating, moving parts, a stationary sprinkler directs water without the risk of something breaking. The Gilmour 1-225 takes the top spot in this category for the plethora of spray options it provides.

Much like a showerhead, the sprinkler comes with 8 pre-set spray patterns you can select with a simple twist of the nozzle base. Each pattern creates a different shape so you can fine tune the coverage area while moving the sprinkler around. The sprinkler is designed to operate at low pressures as well to reduce the amount of water you need to cover the whole lawn.