The best garden sprinklers are an important tool for an outdoor space in the sun – and 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.
Along with regular mowing, the best garden sprinklers bring convenience to your gardening routine and help maintain the beauty and vitality of your outdoor oasis. They're also super-fun for kids to play in during the summer months.
Best garden sprinklers at a glance:
• Best oscillating garden sprinkler for range: Hozelock Pro Oscillating Sprinkler - view on B&Q
• Best garden sprinkler for small areas: Gardena Aqua S Rectangular Sprinkler - view on Amazon UK
• Best round garden sprinkler for rotating: Hozelock Round Garden Sprinkler Plus - view on Amazon UK
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 for your garden
Best oscillating garden sprinkler for range
Hozelock/B&Qwww.diy.com
This Hozelock garden sprinkler is a versatile two-in-one option. It features a jet spray for lawns and a fine spray for seedlings or more delicate areas, such as flower beds. These features allow for more efficient and hassle-free watering throughout your outdoor space.
This sprinkler can cover a maximum area of 314 square metres, but obviously, you can move it around your lawn if it's larger than that. This rotating sprinkler can water a full, or a part, circle. This promises an even coverage due to the water-powered motor and the two different spray patterns.
Pros
- Versatile two-in-one jet and fine spray options
- Covers up to 314 square metres with even coverage
Cons
- Some may only need a basic model
| Design: | Oscillating |
| Height: | 211mm |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Coverage: | 314m² |
| Guarantee: | 2 Years |
- Jet spray for lawns, fine spray for seedlings
Best round garden sprinkler for rotating
Hozelock/AmazonThe Hozelock Round Sprinkler Plus is a four-arm rotating sprinkler that also offers two-in-one functionality as it can operate as a jet spray for watering turf and established plants, or a mist spray for watering delicate plants or seedlings. You simply need to turn the knob to change the spray mode.
This sprinkler is mounted on a "sled" style base that can sit safely on all surfaces. The maximum area coverage is 254 square metres or 18m in diameter. Reviewers note that there's no option to change the strength of the spray - you have to control it via your garden tap.
Pros
- Jet and mist spray options for various plant types
- Maximum coverage of 254 square metres with an 18-metre diameter
Cons
- Maybe too flashy for some
| Design: | Rotating |
| Height: | 12cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Coverage: | 254m² |
| Guarantee: | N/A |
- Rotating sprinkler, two spray settings, sled base mount
Best garden sprinkler for small areas
Gardena/AmazonFor even and reliable watering, why not grab this sprinkler from Gardena? It covers a square or rectangular area of 90 to 220 square metres. You simply connect the sprinkler to your garden hose - and your garden gets watered. One reviewer says they can't believe they didn't opt for such a simple solution sooner.
You can even precisely adjust the spray range from seven to 17 metres. Not only that, but the sprinkler has an internal filter that prevents dirt particles from getting in. The nozzle is frost- and UV-proof so it can be left outside all year round.
Pros
- Covers 90 to 220 square metres with an adjustable spray range
- The internal filter prevents dirt particles
Cons
- Maybe too small for some gardens
| Design: | Rectangle |
| Height: | 50cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Coverage: | 90m² - 220m² |
| Guarantee: | N/A |
- Adjustable range, internal filter, cleaning needle
Best multi-jet garden sprinkler
Hozelock/AmazonThe Hozelock Multi Sprinkler is a dial sprinkler that covers a maximum area of 79 square metres. 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.
This sprinkler suits all gardens - due to eight spray patterns. These range from a small semi-circle and circle to a large semi-circle and circle, a square pattern, a remote jet, and a mist option - great for kids who want to play in the spray.
Pros
- Eight different spray patterns for versatile watering
- Soft-touch, easy-grip adjuster ring to change settings
Cons
- Maximum coverage limited to 79 square metres
| Design: | Sled Mounted, Multi |
| Height: | 10cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Coverage: | 79m² |
| Guarantee: | N/A |
- Eight Jets
Best budget rotating garden sprinkler
Best budget rotating garden sprinkler
Amlion/AmazonMade from premium quality material, this Amlion sprinkler has a reasonably low price point compared to other items on our list so it's a good choice for anyone on a budget or anyone who isn't sure if a sprinkler is for them. This is great for a small garden.
You can control the distance sprayed by adjusting the water pressure. This has 360-degree rotation 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.
Pros
- Reasonably priced with 360-degree rotation and three nozzles
- Wide irrigation area coverage
Cons
- Best suited for small gardens
| Design: | Round, rotating |
| Height: | 12cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Coverage: | Good |
| Guarantee: | N/A |
- Three nozzles, 360° rotating, water-saving
Best spike garden sprinkler
Hozelock/AmazonThis high-performance metal spike sprinkler is great if you want to keep your sprinkler safely tucked out of the way. It reaches a maximum area coverage of 314 square metres and up to 20 metres 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 has a small footprint and promises durability and a secure fit in the turf or border during use.
Pros
- Covers up to 314 square metres with even coverage
- Compact, durable, and secure spiked design
Cons
- This spike sprinkler has no ability to rotate
| Design: | Spike, round |
| Height: | 35cm |
| Material: | Plastic, metal |
| Coverage: | 314m² |
| Guarantee: | N/A |
- Five jets, full/semi circle shape, fine spray
Best luxury garden sprinkler
GardenaThis AquaZoom compact sprinkler from Gardena is perfect for watering flower and vegetable beds, with even spray coverage ranging from nine to 216 metres. Simply set the range and go. This has soft plastic nozzles - if you need to remove any blockages, make sure to run your finger across them.
This set comes with a handy "Waterstop" function that allows you to remove the sprinkler from the hose without dripping. A filter is built into the water connection to collect dirt particles and this is frost and UV-resistant.
Pros
- Even spray coverage for flower and vegetable beds
- Comes with Waterstop functionality for easy removal from the tap
Cons
- Requires manual nozzle cleaning for blockages
| Design: | Compact, oscillating |
| Height: | 27cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Coverage: | 216m² |
| Guarantee: | 5 years |
- Removable metal filter, frost resistant
Best bar garden sprinkler
Cost Wise/AmazonThis is an oscillating lawn bar sprinkler that, like the other options we're featuring, is easy to set up and use - simply attach it to a garden hose and adjust the spray pattern and water flow to your liking. This distributes water in a rectangular pattern.
The sprinkler allows you to adjust the water flow and coverage, you can control the width and length of the spray pattern, as well as the strength of the water flow. This comes complete with a handy nozzle cleaning tool that's perfectly sized to get grime out of the holes in the bar.
Pros
- Comes with a free nozzle cleaning tool for maintenance
- Ability to adjust water intensity and coverage area
Cons
- Can only spray water in a rectangular shape
| Design: | Bar |
| Height: | Not known |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Coverage: | Not known |
How we chose the best garden sprinklers
All of these garden sprinklers have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the design, functionality, and usability in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching garden sprinklers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
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.
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.
This "Smart Timer" is compatible with your Alexa and Google Home.
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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…