The Best Oscillating Sprinkler for Garden Watering: Best 2023 Edition!

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Watering your garden should never be put on the sidelines because it’s a very important thing to consider. This is where the health of your plants relies on, as well as the feel and look of your house. But how can you do that?

Well, the answer to that is simple, and that is by using the best oscillating sprinkler. That’s what we’re going to talk about in this article.

Have fun reading, mate.

Take away key points:

  • Best oscillating sprinklers work in such a way as to keep your lawns optimal and healthy
  • They differ in spraying settings, materials, and overall construction
  • Learn their differences to choose the best oscillating sprinkler easily

What is an oscillating sprinkler?

Oscillating sprinklers are one of the most popular types of garden sprinklers being sold in the market. What this does is that the shape of the water that is sprayed out looks like a fan. And a fan swings back and force.

This is how it gets its name – oscillating. Its metal arm oscillates or moves back and forth. This is done so that it can cover a rectangular area that is around 20 x 30 feet.

best oscillating sprinkler for low water pressure

The benefits of using an oscillating sprinkler

Here are some of the benefits the best oscillating sprinklers offer:

1. Perfect for large lawns

The number one reason why oscillating sprinklers are popular is that they’re perfect for large lawnsTake note, there are a lot of large-sized lawns, which is why most people prefer this over other types. It can easily cover huge areas because of its back-and-forth swinging motion.

This type of motion makes it easily cover all of the areas, along with the garden’s edges and surrounding areas.

But be careful because these sprinklers can supply your plants with too much water; that’s why you should make sure that it won’t flood the area.

2. Water conservation

Another reason why oscillating sprinklers are widely used is that they are pretty good at conserving water.

You can set them up to water your garden throughout the entirety of the night. This is the time when the temperature is at its lowest peak.

And when the temperature is cold, water can easily be absorbed by the plants because it doesn’t get dried up easily by the sun. When this happens, you use less water, and your water bill goes down.

3. Customizable

These oscillating sprinklers are also pretty good when it comes to customizability.

These give you the freedom to customize your watering strategy depending on the size of your lawn. This is very important, especially if you want to target only a specific portion of your garden.

There are also a lot of oscillating sprinklers that have a lot of advanced features that make it easier for you to use.

what is the best oscillating lawn sprinkler

4. Adds home value

Another cool thing about these oscillating sprinklers is that they add value to your home. This is because it shows that you care for your garden, lawn, and entire home.

If you’re going to sell your house for some reason, you’ll find it easier to sell it because the buyer can see that you’re giving it the care it deserves.

These oscillating sprinklers are also pretty good when it comes to watering consistency. And it also frees up a lot of your time too!

Top 8 best oscillating sprinklers for 2023

If you need the best oscillating sprinkler for your watering system but don’t know where to start, check our oscillating sprinklers below. You will find the best model for your needs.

$Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16 Indestructible Metal Base Oscillating Sprinkler

Best oscillating sprinkler for advanced performance and system. These oscillating lawn sprinklers are ideal metal sprinklers for long-lasting and durable construction, versatile and adjustable multiple functions.

Still, the oscillating sprinkler is too bulky due to its heavy sprinkler stand.

$$Melnor 65003-AMZ MiniMax Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler

The Melnor oscillating sprinkler is an excellent choice for its turbo system. The turbo oscillating sprinkler uses different spray patterns for more coverage area and different watering needs.

But its plastic construction makes it vulnerable to exterior elements.

$Eden 96213 Lawn & Garden Essential Oscillating Sprinkler

This is a good oscillating sprinkler for you controlling the water pressure, flow, and other features to prevent waste. The oscillating lawn sprinklers also allow more versatile functions and spraying patterns.

Yet they are not solid enough.

$$$Gardena 1975-U AquaZoom Fully Adjustable oscillating Sprinkler

Most versatile and adjustable oscillating sprinkler with multiple settings, suitable for different applications and uses. The oscillating sprinklers work well with your irrigations and current hoses, preventing water leakage.

However, you must get wet while adjusting it.

$$Rocky Mountain Goods Metal Oscillating Lawn Sprinkler

Best for heavy-duty construction, with multiple settings and more robust operations. Long-lasting and reliable for an extended period. Reliable for different watering needs.

Many complain about the narrow design and spray patterns.

$$Dramm Nozzle Jets, Green 15004 ColorStorm Premium Metal Oscillating Sprinkler

Best solid construction and advanced system technology for multiple commercial and residential uses. Ideal for even flow and precise controls.

The drawback is the average water coverage.

$Brizer Oscillating Lawn Sprinkler

Best for simple, yet durable design ensuring smooth operations and ease of use. Ideal for more square feet and you can adjust the speed, patterns, and other elements easily.

Nonetheless, the plastic construction is not that solid.

$$GRÜNTEK Oscillating Sprinkler

Best for preventing water waste, ensuring proper water flow and pressure. Advanced Auqstop technology prevents leaks and bursts.

Nevertheless, the oscillating sprinkler offers unreliable plastic materials.

#1. Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16 – Best overall

  • Brand: Aqua Joe
  • Material: Metal
  • Style: Oscillating
  • Best for: precise watering and spray width

We choose the Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16 as a top pick since it has a sweet spot between features and price.

Like any other top-notch model, this sprinkler from Aqua Joe provides customizable water patterns with a maximum range of 3600 square feet.

Though not as large as the Melnor 65003-AMZ, this is still enough to cover most lawns and gardens.

You can change every aspect of the water sprays – from the width and length to pressure – to make it fit the size of your garden the best. The connections of the Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16 are also leak-resistant, so you don’t need to worry much about water leaking.

But the most special feature of this Aqua Joe sprinkler is its clog-resistant nozzles.

And even when they get dirty, you can use the built-in clean-out tool to get rid of all the dirt and debris so the sprinkler can deliver reliable, constant performance.

Unlike most sprinklers on the market, Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16 has a metal base. Though many customers may find it bulky and heavy, it does provide extra stability to the sprinkler. Other parts, however, are still made from plastic.

Pros
  • Large range
  • Adjustable
  • Leak-resistant connections
  • Clog-resistant nozzles
  • Stable base
Cons
  • Bulky
  • Plastic parts

#2. Melnor 65003-AMZ XT MiniMax Turbo – Best alternative pick

  • Brand: Melnor
  • Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
  • Style: on sled
  • Best for: watering range and water flow

This oscillating sprinkler from Melnor is made up of two pieces: the sprinkler head and the base, which are not hard to assemble together.

Though only made from plastic, the base is still fairly sturdy. We have found that during normal operation, it doesn’t move too much that you can notice.

The Melnor 65003-AMZ XT MiniMax Turbo is highly adjustable. You can change the length and the width of the water pattern to point water precisely to where it’s needed.

And despite its strange look, it’s not hard to use at all.

On this four-way adjustment mechanism, you will find large control tabs and clear markings indicating how to use them. Once you are familiar with the 65003-AMZ XT MiniMax Turbo, you can adjust the range of water from 5 to 25 feet to cover up to 4000 square feet.

However, its durability is still in question since most of it is made from just plastic. And as Melnor doesn’t provide any user manual, you may find it hard to install it the first time.

Pros
  • Compact
  • Impressive coverage area
  • Best-in-class adjustability
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Made from plastic
  • No user manual

#3. Eden 96213 Lawn & Garden Essential Oscillating Sprinkler – Best for infinity turbo drive & even watering

  • Brand: Eden
  • Material: stainless steel
  • Style: metal
  • Best for: flow control knob and water pressure

The Eden turbo oscillating sprinkler is an excellent choice for anyone looking to keep their lawn and garden green and healthy. With its 16 precision nozzles, it provides maximum coverage of up to 3,600 square feet. The easy-to-use sliding tab range controls make coverage adjustments simple, so you can customize your watering area with precision.

The turbo drive motor and 16 clog-resistant nozzles ensure a smooth and quiet operation while the 1-gallon funnel-top, translucent tank makes filling and cleaning easy. Additionally, this turbo oscillating sprinkler is compatible with common fertilizers, weed killers, and pesticides.

Overall, this Eden turbo oscillating sprinkler is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable way to water their lawn or garden. It’s easy to use and has plenty of features that make it stand out from other models on the market.

Its superior range control allows you to customize your watering area with precision while its turbo drive motor ensures a smooth and quiet operation. Plus, its compatibility with common fertilizers, weed killers, and pesticides makes it even more versatile.

Due to reliable construction and the flow control dial, the good oscillating sprinkler offers an extended life and spray length for a large lawn size and smooth operation.

The maximum coverage area is 3,600 square feet and you can use it with a standard garden hose, or current irrigation system. The water pressure is versatile with a drip irrigation system.

Pros
  • water pressure
  • sprinkler coverage
  • nozzle cleaning tool
  • spray pattern
  • infinity turbo drive
Cons
  • not sturdy enough

#4. Gardena 1975 Aquazooms – Best for saving water

  • Brand: Gardena
  • Material: Polypropylene
  • Style: oscillating
  • Best for: a watering pattern of the sprinkler system

The Gardena 1975 Aquazooms is a sprinkler that is well-liked by both experienced and novice gardeners. It is a model that can cover an area of 3900 square feet while saving a lot of water compared to other products.

This sprinkler from Gardena has a rectangular water spray design, which works well with both rectangular and square lawns or gardens.

Its adjustability is also comparable to top-notch models, providing four levers to control its adjustments. You can make it go left, right, forward, and back. But keep in mind that you may get wet while adjusting it to the right.

Since the Gardena 1975 Aquazooms have no built-in timer and the sprinklers move pretty fast, you must be careful and watch their movement closely.

Gardena offers a 12-month labor and parts warranty.

In case the 1975 Aquazooms stops working or has a faulty part, Gardena will replace or repair it for free. When you have bought your model for more than 12 months, they still provide a repair service.

You can get an estimate for labor and parts to repair your sprinkler without spending a penny.

However, many customers are not happy with the plastic parts, given their price, which is higher than most products in the same market segment.

Pros
  • Highly adjustable
  • Impressive range
  • Doesn’t waste much water
Cons
  • More expensive than products with the same features
  • May get wet while adjusting it

#5. Rocky Mountain Goods Metal Oscillating Lawn Sprinkler – Best heavy-duty metal oscillating sprinkler

  • Brand: Rocky Mountain
  • Material: metal, aluminum
  • Style: oscillating
  • Best for: built-in cleaning tool

This oscillating sprinkler is a great choice for anyone looking to keep their lawn healthy and green. This sprinkler is made from rust-proof aluminum and features solid brass jets that can cover up to 4,100 square feet of area.

The width and length of the spray can be easily adjusted with the easy-adjust range control, allowing you to customize your watering needs. The built-in spray jet cleaning needle helps ensure that your sprinkler stays in top condition for years to come.

The Rocky Mountain oscillating sprinkler is easy to assemble and set up, and the adjustable range control makes it simple to customize my watering needs.

The solid brass jets provide a consistent spray pattern, ensuring that all areas of my lawn are evenly watered. You will also appreciate the built-in spray jet cleaning needle which helps keep the sprinkler in good condition over time.

The reliable construction will resist all external pressure, forces, impacts, and weather elements, so the oscillating sprinkler offers better benefits than other sprinklers. It’s made of solid construction., working with your garden hose for even watering.

It’s well constructed, easy to use, and provides even maximum coverage of water over your entire lawn. Water flows evenly through the spray pattern and the water pressure is adjustable for garden hoses.

We would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable way to keep their lawn healthy and hydrated!

Pros
  • leak-resistant connection
  • water flow
  • water pressure
  • metal oscillating sprinkler
Cons
  • narrow design

#6. Dramm Nozzle Jets 15004 – Toughest construction

  • Brand: Dramm
  • Material: brass, zinc
  • Style: oscillating
  • Best for: durable sprinkler system

These colorful and cute sprinklers from Dramm are an excellent choice for either children’s playgrounds or lawn care.

Unlike previous products, Dramm uses die-cast brass and zinc to make the frame, which also holds a steel control bar. Even the hose connector is made from heavy-duty rubber and then coated with aluminum.

As a result, you have a durable construction that can last longer than other plastic sprinklers. This heavy build also ensures great stability: it will stay firmly where you put it, even at a high flow rate.

Its coverage area is 3000 square feet – not the largest, but still enough for most lawns and gardens.

You can adjust its spray distance and water pattern with the control tab and dial. This is why it’s one of the top choices for rectangular spaces, whether you want to take care of your lawn or let your kids have fun with water.

Depending on the area you need it to cover, the Dramm Green 15004 needs pressure from 30 to 90 PSI. A lower value of pressure means the machine produces less heat when running.

This sprinkler is available in multiple colors to make it even more kid-friendly: from berry colors yellow, green, blue, orange, and red.

But while most of its components are made from metal, the Dramm Green 15004 has a plastic oscillating mechanism. This makes it prone to any kind of rough handling.

Pros
  • All-metal construction
  • Suitable for kids to play
  • Easy to adjust water distance and pattern
Cons
  • Average coverage
  • The oscillating mechanism needs to be handled gently.

#7. Brizer Oscillating Sprinkler – Best for simple use

  • Brand: Brizer
  • Material: metal, plastic
  • Style: oscillating
  • Best for: even watering & smooth operation

The Brizer sprinkler is just straightforward to install.

All you need to do is put it in your garden or lawn, adjust its direction and position, attach the hose, and then open the facet. Now it’s ready to water your garden with a coverage area of up to 3000 square feet.

That coverage is made possible with 15 nozzles.

You can adjust them easily with a dial to control the spray area: full or narrow width, right or left. This allows you to have a gentle spray to take care of your delicate plants or reseed your garden.

The Brizer oscillating sprinkler doesn’t get dirty often since the sieve can filter dirt and debris out of the water. And you can use the included nozzle cleaner to clean clogged nozzles.

The warranty policy is quite good, considering the position of Brizer in the market. There is a 30-day period where you can get a full, no-questions-asked refund if you are not satisfied with it.

Although this is an all-around great sprinkler, there is room for improvement in its materials. You will find no brass parts; instead, they are all made from plastic, even the base.

On top of that, Brizer doesn’t provide any cleaning tools in the box.

Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Adjustable
  • Good warranty policy
Cons
  • All-plastic construction
  • No cleaning tool included

#8. GRÜNTEK Oscillating Sprinkler – Best Aquastop technology

  • Brand: GRÜNTEK
  • Material: Plastic
  • Style: oscillating
  • Best for: preventing water waste

The GRÜNTEK oscillating sprinkler is a perfect choice for a reliable and efficient way to water your large garden or lawn. This oscillating sprinkler is specially designed for both medium- and large-sized rectangular lawns with an area of up to 462m²/4973ft². It features a Turbo Motor and Quick Connector, making it easy to set up and use.

The GRÜNTEK Oscillating Sprinkler is perfect for watering plants, lawns, and other outdoor areas. It has an adjustable blasting width of up to 21m x 15m, so you can customize the coverage area to fit your needs.

The oscillating action ensures that the water is evenly distributed across the entire area, ensuring maximum efficiency. Additionally, the oscillating sprinkler has a built-in Aquastop technology which prevents over-watering and helps conserve water.

The construction is solid for different heavy and light-duty tasks, and the oscillating sprinkler will work well with higher water pressure without leaks or bursts. The sprinkler heads are also sturdy and adjustable for different applications of the oscillating sprinkler system.

The GRÜNTEK oscillating sprinkler is easy to set up and use – attach it to your garden hose pipe and turn it on! The oscillating action ensures that the water is evenly spread across your garden, so you don’t have any dry patches or over-watered areas.

Plus, you’ll love that it has built-in Aquastop technology which helps conserve water to prevent waste – something that’s especially important in these times of drought!

Pros
  • powerful gardening tools
  • mechanical timer
  • solid
  • versatile
  • water pressure and flow
Cons
  • poor plastic materials

Things to consider when choosing an oscillating sprinkler

Here are some of the crucial factors to consider when choosing a good oscillating sprinkler for your precise lawn watering patterns:

1. Flow rate

The first thing you must consider when choosing an oscillating sprinkler is its flow rate. The flow rate is the one that tells you how much water is flowing out from it per second or minute.

Know the rate of water that flows from it so that you’ll avoid your plants drowning.

Also, see to it that the main feed pipe will be bigger than the hosepipe so that the water can easily flow through it.

2. Efficiency

best oscillating sprinkler for large lawn

Make sure that the area your sprinkler will be targeting is within reach so that you don’t have to set the pressure to a higher-than-normal level. Also, make sure that it doesn’t use too much water or power.

Remember that when it comes to watering your plants, it’s not the strength of the water distribution that counts, but it’s the placement of the supply. This means you need to make sure that you put it in a strategic location.

In doing this, the sprinkler must fit in the area you wish to put it.

3. Supply pressure

Then make sure that your water supply can handle the needed pressure of the oscillating sprinkler. If it can’t, then your sprinkler’s features would be useless.

This is why before buying one, make sure that your water source is working properly. And that it should be capable of driving enough water supply to feed your garden.

4. Brand

Then there’s the brand consideration. The brand of the oscillating sprinkler plays a major role because this is where the quality of the product depends.

It’s recommended that you choose a sprinkler that is made by a reputable company. If you’re not sure if it’s reputable or not, you can check it out on the internet and see if the testimonials of people are positive or not.

There are a lot of product reviews you can search on the Internet.

5. Price

You also must consider the price.

But this doesn’t mean that you’re going to choose the cheapest one because cheap products are usually made of low quality. Also, don’t be fooled into buying the expensive ones. It’s because not all expensive products are made of high-quality materials. 

Settle for the medium-priced sprinklers so that you can save money without sacrificing quality and price.

FAQs

How does an oscillating sprinkler work?

It works by spraying a fan-shaped curtain of water over an area. The sprinkler has metal arms that oscillate back and forth, covering a larger area than traditional sprinklers.

The arm rotates slowly at roughly one revolution per minute, which is what causes the arm to oscillate back and forth.

Oscillating sprinklers have a series of jets typically set in a line across an oscillating bar that sprays water up into the air.

How much water does the oscillating sprinkler use?

An oscillating sprinkler typically uses about 1,020 gallons of water per hour when using a standard 5/8″ garden hose. This amount of water should be sufficient to cover your entire lawn at least three times and provide the necessary hydration for your grass.

How long should you run an oscillating sprinkler?

Water your lawn once a week for about an hour with an oscillating sprinkler. This will provide 1-2 inches of water per week which is enough to keep your lawn healthy.

However, if you live in a dry climate, you may need to water your lawn for up to 5 hours with an oscillating sprinkler to get 1 inch of water.

What sprinklers work best with low pressure?

The best option is an adjustable impact tripod sprinkler. These types of sprinklers are designed to work with lower water pressures and can be adjusted to create different spray patterns. They are also usually made from durable materials like zinc or brass, making them a long-lasting choice for your lawn.

What sprinkler has the most coverage?

One of the best units for the coverage is the GRÜNTEK Oscillating Sprinkler, with almost 5,000 square feet of spray coverage.

Why do oscillating sprinklers stop working?

There are many potential causes for an oscillating sprinkler to stop working such as not enough water pressure, trapped dirt or debris in the filter, poor water pressure, broken irrigation lines, or a damaged sprinkler head.

How do you adjust Melnor oscillating sprinklers?

To adjust the width of the spray, simply turn the dial on the top of the sprinkler to select your desired coverage area. You can also adjust the flow control by turning the knob on the side of the sprinkler to increase or decrease water pressure.

Additionally, you can rotate the head of the sprinkler to direct water in a different direction.

How to clean an oscillating sprinkler?

Follow these steps:

  • Use a paperclip to clean out the pulsating and rotary sprinkler heads, which will ensure the best water flow for effective watering. 
  • Use a plunger to suction onto the pipe and push and pull until the water flow is restored.
  • Soak the sprinkler in warm water and dish soap to loosen dirt and debris, then use a sponge to scrub the surface area.

So, the best oscillating sprinkler is…?

The best oscillating sprinkler is the Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16 Indestructible Metal Base Oscillating Sprinkler.

The nozzles of the oscillating sprinkler continuously ensure even water pressure with the standard garden hose connection and the sprinkler coverage is between 2,000 and 4,500 square feet.

So, the metal oscillating sprinkler features advanced technology, ideal for more robust applications. Besides, you can adjust it to be a rotating sprinkler with different settings.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you better understand the best oscillating sprinklers, and are ready to choose the best one for your needs.

Most oscillating sprinklers feature similar benefits but learn the advantages in advance to choose the best oscillating sprinkler for your need.

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Ben Bareja

Ben Bareja, the owner-founder-webmaster of CropsReview.com. This website was conceptualized primarily to serve as an e-library for reference purposes on the principles and practices in crop science, including basic botany. Read more here

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