As much as I love taking care of my garden, watering it with a hose on a hot summer’s day is not my favorite activity.
And I know, it’s not just me. Several friends and family, who are also gardening enthusiasts, have mentioned how tedious watering the lawn can be. So when my husband and I moved into our new (and current) home, he suggested getting sprinklers fitted. Our old house didn’t have any, but with newer models and more reliable reviews available, we had to try out a few.
Hi! I'm Stacy Smith and if you are in the same boat as I once was, confused about the different options available, this review is for you. I have made a list of the best oscillating sprinkler that you should consider for your lawn.
Top 5 Oscillating Sprinkler Reviews
1. Melnor 65074-AMZ
Melnor has been a reputable brand for a very long time and was recommended to me by my elder son. Naturally, I had to see what their top-notch sprinklers had to offer.
Product Highlights
The most important quality a sprinkler must have is the ability to cover most, if not all, of the lawn. This sprinkler by Melnor has no problem with coverage. The 20 precision rubber nozzles can cover a range of about 4500 sq. ft. effortlessly. Additionally, it also has a twin-touch width adjustment to control the watering pattern.
Another exciting feature is that it can be adjusted to go forward, backward, or both. This way, you can control the range and the width, ensuring wide coverage. Moreover, it has a turbo infinity drive that extends the life of the sprinkler and is the reason for the smooth performance it offers.
Overall it is an easy-to-use sprinkler that is backed with a lifetime warranty by the company. It is also easy to connect and use when using the quick connect product adapter.
What’s There To Like About It?
One of the things I really liked about this one was controlling the range and the width. I always used to worry about the coverage with these products since I’ve had large lawns. However, I was pleased with how much this one small sprinkler can cover with its twin touch feature and the range adjustor.
I also found the knobs very easy to use and slide in any direction. This made it easier for me to use it even when my husband was not around.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
One of the things that I wasn’t a fan of was the quality of the adjusting knob. While it was easy to adjust and the feature itself is very convenient, that part tends to come off. The only thing to do is to be gentle with it while moving it around, so it doesn’t break.
Pros and Cons of Melnor 65074-AMZ
Pros
Cons
- 20 Precision rubber nozzles provide maximum coverage of a large lawn or garden up to 4, 500 sq. Ft..Backed by the Milnor Limited Lifetime . Melnor stands behind its productsPower Source Type: Manual
- Twin touch adjustment controls the width of the watering pattern to cover the whole yard or a narrow flower bed
- Infinity turbo drive provides a smooth operation for even watering and extended life
2. Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16
The next one on the list is this sprinkler by Aqua Joe. My friend Agnes mentioned it to me and raved about how it has some new features that I must try. And so, I got one for myself.
Product Highlights
Despite being such a compact product, this one has many features that make it stand out. To begin with, it is super lightweight and weighs less than 2lbs making it easy to carry and move if needed. Additionally, it has a turbo drive motor and a max coverage of 4200 sq. ft., making it a superior product in this range.
I was pretty impressed to see that it has clog-resistant nozzles. This way, the sprinkler always provides an even and consistent spray of water. Plus, it has a clean-out tool that can clear out the nozzles in case of the occasional clog. This tool is small but built into the sprinkler, so it’s easy to locate.
Additionally, it has a knob to control the range of the water. The knob slides quite easily, and the range is pretty accurate as well. In terms of the make, it is durable and has a metal base which keeps it sturdy.
What’s There To Like About It?
The minute I got it, I was quite impressed with the make of the sprinkler. Especially since it is quite affordable and a bit more sturdy than most sprinklers in this range. The parts were constructed well, and it sprayed like a dream. The water pressure was ideal for an even spray.
I also liked the little cleaning tool it comes with. Cleaning the nozzles can be a pain, but not with this handy accessory that helps me ensure the sprinkler is squeaky clean!
What’s There To Not Like About It?
This is a perfect sprinkler, and there was not much to fault in it. The only issue that stuck out to me was that only the range/length of the spray could be adjusted and not the width. Again, it is not something that I sought out, but having that feature does make it easier to maximize coverage.
Pros and Cons of Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16
Pros
Cons
- OSCILLATING SPRINKLER FOR YARD: This oscillating lawn sprinkler is built to make watering simple. It features an indestructible base and custom coverage for precise watering in large yards.
- ADJUSTABLE RANGE & WIDTH CONTROL: The adjustable sprinkler spray patterns cover up to 3,600 sq. ft. (335 m2) with 16 clog-resistant nozzles. A built-in pin clean-out tool makes maintenance a breeze.
- DURABLE & RELIABLE DESIGN: The extra-large indestructible solid-metal base ensures stability in your yard, and the sealed turbo-drive motor gear unit provides long-lasting performance season after season.
3. Rocky Mountain Oscillating Sprinkler
Another great addition to my sprinkler connection is this one by Rocky Mountain. It is a popular choice not just within my circle but on online shopping sites too. So obviously, I had to give it a try.
Product Highlights
One of the best things about this sprinkler is its construction. It is made with heavy-duty aluminum that is sturdy and durable. Additionally, it has a plastic tube with 20 jets that spray water evenly. But that’s not all; the aluminum body is rust-proof and guaranteed to last a long time.
This Rocky Mountain sprinkler has six switches for adjusting the width of the spray. Additionally, it has a flow control knob. With this in the lawn, you will get the coverage the lawn needs as it also has a sliding tab to control the range of the water. The best thing is, it can cover 4100 sq. ft. with ease.
Cleaning this sprinkler is not difficult at all. It comes with an inbuilt cleaning needle that can be used to de-clog it. These features, the sturdy make, and a two-year warranty ensure the sprinkler lasts for a long time.
What’s There To Like About It?
I used this product when a small patch of my lawn was getting uneven water. I was recommended this one because it is good at getting every nook and cranny, and everyone was right. This little sprinkler has excellent coverage and water pressure and is ideal for irregularly shaped lawns.
The multiple options to customize the width and length of the spray are quite beneficial. I found it easy to control and adjust as per my requirements as well.
What’s There To Not Like About It?
One of the things I found a bit tricky was connecting it to the hose. It needs to be moved and adjusted quite a bit, which might loosen it and cause a leak. Plus, another drawback was the lack of proper instructions. It’s not hard to figure out, but a few more details would be better.
Pros and Cons of Rocky Mountain Oscillating Sprinkler
Pros
Cons
- Heavy duty rust-proof aluminum base & plastic tube w/ 20 Jets
- Built in cleaning needle (located in the hub opposite the hose attachment)
- Built-in flow control for maximum adjustability
4. Orbit 56281
Next is this sprinkler by Orbit, which is made to provide proper coverage to a smaller area. Again, this came up as a recommendation when I was looking for other similar products, but this one looked the most promising.
Product Highlights
This is a small yet powerful sprinkler by Orbit. It claims to have a coverage of 4000 sq. ft. and evenly water all parts of the lawn. Additionally, it has a solid heavy-duty metal base. The base not only keeps it sturdy on the ground but also ensures it does not trip over when you reposition it.
Now coming to getting accurate coverage. The sprinkler has adjustable tabs on the side with which you can adjust the coverage. It can spray water in a square pattern to either side or both, depending on your requirements. Additionally, it is quite lightweight, weighing less than 2lbs, and is only 6 inches long, so it is easy to carry around and store.
Moreover, it has precision nozzles to help with even water coverage.
What’s There To Like About It?
I particularly liked that it is lightweight and small. This made it very easy for me to carry it around and store it. Overall, I found it to be very sturdy and well made. It stays put on the ground and doesn't shake or tumble over if water pressure increases.
It was also effortless to control and set up. The instructions are well-written, so attaching it and understanding how to control the flow was a cakewalk.
What’s There To Not Like About It?
One thing that took me by surprise was the difference in coverage measurements. It says it can cover 4000 sq. ft. but was recommended to me for smaller areas. So the coverage is actually not more than 1500-2000 sq. ft. Other than this, it does what it says accurately and efficiently.
Pros and Cons of Orbit 56281
Pros
Cons
- PRECISE YARD WATERING - Our sprinklers for yards and gardens provide customizable coverage with adjustable oscillation and pattern options for a perfectly watered lawn.
- EFFICIENT GARDEN MAINTENANCE - Say goodbye to uneven watering. Our lawn sprinklers for yards / large areas ensure consistent moisture distribution, promoting healthy plant growth.
- EASY-TO-USE SYSTEM - With our lawn sprinkler oscillating, setting up your garden watering system is a breeze. Simply connect to your hose and enjoy hassle-free operation.
5. Dramm 15004
And finally, I will be reviewing this sprinkler by Dramm. I was attracted to this one because of its fancy design and the multiple color options available. So let’s have a look at some of the features it offers.
Product Highlights
The first thing that stands out is the quality of this tool. The company has been around for a long time and thus, guarantees high-quality make of the sprinkler. Plus, they have been made to be used by professionals. What’s great is that the nozzles on this sprinkler are made with brass, so you know it won’t be getting spoiled any time soon.
Coming to a few more details. This sprinkler can cover up to 3,036 sq. ft. It has 18 brass nozzles to provide an even spray of water on the lawn. In addition to that, the hose connector is made with heavy-duty aluminum and is rubber-coated.
Cleaning the sprinkler is also extremely easy. It comes with clean-up tools and pins built into the design and is located at the end of the spray tube. This makes de-clogging the nozzles effortless.
What’s There to Like About It?
One of the first things I was impressed with was the all-metal construction. I found the whole thing to be very sturdy and durable. Moreover, the cleaning tool is always beneficial. That small pin is also a boon when you need to de-clog the tiny nozzles.
I also found it to be worth all the money since you can change watering patterns. You can alter these based on your requirement.
What’s There To Not Like About It?
A small but significant issue is that this sprinkler is a bit more expensive than others in the market. So while it does offer tremendous value in terms of durability, there are still more affordable alternatives. Plus, the oscillating feature tends to stop after prolonged use.
Pros and Cons of Dramm 15004
Pros
Cons
- Includes a needle-plug for easy cleaning. Adjustable dial and tab delivers various water patterns and spray distances for lawn care and kids water fun
- Variable settings allows watering up to 3,036 sq. ft. (66 ft x 46 ft)
- Durable all metal construction
Buyers Guide
I may have finished giving you a review of the best oscillating sprinkler, but this guide is far from done.
We already established that manually watering the garden can get tedious, especially during the summer. So an oscillating sprinkler is the next best thing. However, these five aren’t the only ones available in the market. So how do you pick one among a sea of sprinklers? That is what I am here to tell you.
I have gathered some more information to tell you about the features you must look out for in a new sprinkler. Hopefully, by the end of it, you would be able to make a quicker decision on which one to buy.
1. Coverage
This is one of the first things you need to consider when looking for the best oscillating sprinkler. The idea is to find something that can cover the maximum area around it. Of course, you will have to buy more than one to cover the whole lawn and focus on plants that need more water.
Usually, small-sized lawns don’t need any more than a coverage of 3400 sq. ft. On the other hand, large lawns can go up to 4500 sq. ft. These measurements are to ensure the sprinkler covers everything, including flower beds.
2. Range
To get proper coverage, it is not sufficient to just check the length of the spray but the width as well. That width is the spray range. Most of the time, you can adjust and control the content to make sure it suits the water requirement of your lawn.
3. Nozzles
The water from such a sprinkler comes out from nozzles. In this regard, the more nozzles on the sprinkler, the better it is in terms of range and coverage. Most of the ones I have mentioned have 18 or more nozzles for optimum coverage. However, feel free to choose one with lesser nozzles if you have a small lawn.
4. Durability
Quality matters a lot as it speaks volumes about how durable the sprinkler will be. While most of them have plastic parts, it is essential to ensure that the plastic is of top quality.
Many people prefer metal construction over plastic as they are more sturdy and last longer as well. However, they are heavier and difficult to move around. So, ideally, you should pick one with a mix of plastic and metal as it removes a little bit of the weight without compromising on quality.
5. Maintenance and Warranty
Sprinklers like these tend to have many clogging issues due to the multiple nozzles in the product. This is why the sprinklers must come with cleaning tools that make it easy to de-clog the nozzle. In case it doesn’t have a cleaning tool, you can always use a toothpick to clean it.
Additionally, the sprinkler must be backed with a warranty. These tools have multiple pieces that can either break or get lost. A lot of people receive defective sprinklers as well. For those reasons, it is necessary to have a warranty to be covered in case of any mishaps.
6. Patterns
Another thing that usually ensures proper coverage is spray patterns. The more spray patterns your sprinklers have, the better it is in terms of coverage. It is often a square or rectangle pattern and is ideal for catering to flower beds and narrow spaces.
When looking for a sprinkler, look for one that can be customized according to the lawn. This is usually possible due to multiple spray patterns. The sprinkler should have a tab or a knob to adjust the patterns.
7. Price
When looking for the best oscillating sprinkler, it is necessary to consider every aspect, including price. There has to be a perfect balance between quality and price point when it comes to this.
Picking something affordable may leave you compromising on quality, and it is not always possible to pick expensive ones. Hence, finding the right balance is necessary. Usually, anything between $15 to $70 is ideal, depending on the lawn’s model, brand, and your requirement.
8. User-Friendly
This one is an essential factor, especially for the older crowd. Having features that make it easier to control the sprinkler, move it around and store it make it a lot more appealing. The best thing would be to look out for easy-to-slide tabs, knobs, and controls that make setting the length and width of the spray convenient.
9. Other Additional Features
Many of the leading brands have features like sensors, quick deactivation buttons, and timers that make them stand out. They do make the sprinkler a bit more expensive, but these features are definitely worth the money.
Another thing is detailed instruction manuals, as they will be beneficial at some point. Many people face trouble setting up or replacing things, and having a well-planned manual eliminates these issues.
FAQ’s
I would suggest watering it for 30 mins (maximum) three times a week. Usually, any lawn needs 1.5 inches of water every week, and it takes a good 20-30 mins for the water to soak enough. Of course, this is not written in stone and depends on the lawn, but most people stick to this.
Yes. However, the issue lies with the fact that there is no evaporation at night, leaving the lawn moist. This makes it the best place for diseases and bacteria to accumulate.
To avoid such infestations, it is best to water the lawn in the mornings so that it can dry off during the day.
My Final Recommendation
On that note, we come to the end of my review on the best oscillating sprinkler. I hope some caught your eye enough to consider it.Â
I also understand that I just gave you a lot to process in one go, so let me make it a bit easier by reiterating my favorites from the list. If you are not looking to adjust the spray, then the Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16 is definitely worth considering. Apart from that, I really liked the Rocky Mountain sprinkler as well for its durable rust-proof body and high-quality jets.
For now, I shall say goodbye, but I promise to return with many more guides and reviews.Â
Until next time!