The Best Sprinkler Heads You Can Use

Crops Review is reader-supported. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Making sure that you have a healthy and thriving garden or lawn is a given when you’re a homeowner. This is because they’re the ones that give life and freshness to your home.

There are a lot of ways you can do that. But the best one is to supply them with more than enough water. So how can you do that?

Well, it’s simple because you just have to use a garden sprinkler. But then again, you need to have a sprinkler head for it to be used. That’s what we’re going to talk about it here.

In this article, we’ll be showing you the best sprinkler heads that are a perfect fit for your sprinkler.

Types of sprinkler heads

1. Rotary sprinklers

There are different types of sprinkler heads. However, one of the most popular types is the rotary sprinklers. These are those that shoot a water stream with the help of its mechanical nozzle. It functions this way thanks to its circular spray pattern.

What’s great about this kind of sprinkler head is that it’s fully adjustable. These can spray water up to 40 feet, but commercial ones can spray up to a whopping 90 feet. It can also deliver a quarter or one-half inch of water every hour when spraying.

what sprinkler heads are best for low pressure

2. Rotary types

Then there are the rotary sprinklers. These are further divided into two models, the impact and the gear-driven ones.

In order for these to function, rotary sprinklers use an arm that’s spring-loaded. This is the one that sprays the spray nozzle to your coverage area.

The water stream then comes out of the nozzle while it’s striking the metal plate. This, in turn, uses the sprinkler head and makes it easier to diffuse the spray. People who want to have even coverage around their surroundings need to get this one.

3. Concealed sprinklers

Then there are the concealed sprinklers which are usually used in underground irrigation systems. These are also called pop-up sprinklers because they’re literally popping up the ground. It has a head that’s spring-driven.

This is the one that extends the spray nozzle on the grass’ surface, which in turn irrigates your lawn. You have three pattern choices to choose from.

These are the full circle, half circle, or quarter circle. When you turn it on, the head then pops up. When you turn it off, the sprinkler head gets back to the ground again, leaving no imprint that it’s actually there. These can supply one to two and a half inches of water in their coverage area per hour.

4. Spot irrigation

Spot irrigation or micro-irrigation sprinkler are also called spinners, bubblers, and mini-sprays. These provide a direct water supply to a specific plant, making this the perfect choice for landscaped gardens.

If you have one, you need to install it near the plant’s base. It should also have a gap of three to five feet so that they won’t overlap with each other.

Top 5 best sprinkler heads

#1. Rain Bird 25PJDAC Sprinkler Head – Best for durability

This impact sprinkler is the bestseller on our list today. If your budget is generous and you are looking for a durable sprinkler head, this Rain Bird 25PJDAC Sprinkler Head might be what you are looking for.

In terms of material, this sprinkler head is made from robust metals that can last longer than many zinc sprinklers on the market. It is also coated with a water-resistant coat for extra durability even when exposed to water.

This Rain Bird sprinkler head can cover up to 520 square feet for both large and small gardens. While a white bronze spray arm allows you to adjust the spray distance, the diffuser screw breaks up the sprinkler stream for smaller and larger droplets.

However, it might be a little confusing for non-technical users to assemble this unit. It does not come with user instructions for setting up this item. So, it would help if you asked a professional for help.

Pros
  • Brass, bronze, and stainless steel construction
  • Classic impact sound
  • Diffuser screw for smaller and larger droplets
Cons
  • The user manual is missing

#2. Hunter PGP-ADJ-B Pop-Up Rotor Sprinkler – Best for performance

Watering for an extra-large yard might be a difficult task without the help of this Hunter sprinkler head.

It possesses a large spraying distance of up to 20 feet, depending on your water pressure and settings. Moreover, it also features a well-balanced system to distribute the water evenly. The built-in water-lubricated gear drive also makes this PGP sprinkler a reliable product in the price range.

Besides, it comes with an adjustment tool and a rack of blue, green, and orange nozzles for more flexibility. You can switch between nozzles for suitable water patterns that fit your use.

From our point of view, the extraordinary design is the most impressive thing about this sprinkler head. A factory-installed rubber cover and a robust yet stylish design will make this unit a decorative item for your garden.

Even though this sprinkler head includes an adjustment tool, customizing the unit is still a big mess for non-technical users. Also, it doesn’t come with any instructions. Thus, you should ask a professional to help with installing this unit. 

Pros
  • Adjustment tool and nozzle racks included
  • Water lubricated gear-drive
  • Factory installed rubber cover
Cons
  • Difficult to adjust the sprinkler

#3. Orbit Voyager II Sprinkler Spray Head – Best for spraying distance

For those who are looking for an attractive and visually pleasing sprinkler head, this Orbit 55662 might be a great choice.

Not only does it possess an appealing appearance, but this item also has a wide range of spraying that is larger than most products in the class. With a diameter between 25 to 52 feet, your garden will never be short of watering.

This gear drive sprinkler includes a key to make on-the-spot adjustments a breeze. It also comes with extra nozzles to customize the flow rate to fit your watering tasks. Moreover, you can adjust the coverage of this sprinkler between 40-360 degrees with a built-in adjustable system.

The most noticeable feature of this sprinkler head is the quiet operation without the annoying click sound of impact heads.

Moreover, the internal mechanism contains a filter to keep out debris. You can remove the residual dust with a simple twist and clean it in a matter of seconds. Thus, it allows the head to work year after year without maintenance.

However, the stability of this item is not reliable. Sometimes, it malfunctions, and you might need to clean it thoroughly to have it back on.

Pros
  • Compatible and stylish design
  • Ideal for medium and large lawns
  • Bonus nozzles included
Cons
  • Sometimes it malfunctions

#4. Toro 53814 Pop-Up Fixed-Spray – Best for price

For those with a limited budget, this Toro 53814 pop-up sprinkler head is an excellent choice. Even if it comes at a reasonable price, it is, in some ways, superior to many other products.

First, we have to mention the pop-up feature that will automatically work when you turn on the water faucet. When it is not in use, you can push the sprinkler head inside to keep it away from damage.

It can water an area of up to 15 feet radius, which makes it an efficient watering unit for medium-sized lawns. Moreover, it is made from robust stainless steel that can withstand extended use under the damage of weather.

The best feature of this product is the easy maintenance. You can use the intense water pressure to flush the head valve and stem clean. Thus, it is less likely to clog and won’t need regular maintenance.

However, if you don’t do the maintenance, the sprinkler head might not pop up as it is stuck inside with residual dust. Moreover, it doesn’t have any coverage adjustment for specific spraying angles. You will only get fixed-circle coverage.

Pros
  • Ideal for medium-length grasses
  • Made from stainless steel
  • Easy to maintain
Cons
  • Sometimes it does not pop up
  • Fixed spraying range for 360 degrees

#5. Melnor Multi-Adjustable Lawn Sprinkler – Best for flexibility

Melnor Multi-Adjustable Lawn Sprinkler is a flexible sprinkler head that boasts a wide range of benefits. With this slim sprinkler, you can save most water by adjusting the water density and scale of spraying.

This product allows you to customize the angle, direction, and distance of spraying with ease. The spray angle can be adjusted from 0 to 360° to water a specific area of your garden. You can also customize the direction by rotating the position toward your desired field. The spray distance is also adjustable with a built-in flow control lever.

In terms of performance, it can water a garden up to 30 feet in diameter under a residential water pressure of 60 PSI. It is also rust-resistant with a rust-proof plastic material that allows it to stand year after year under the beating of weather.

However, since the head is made of plastic, it might be broken if you put it in use under high water pressure or direct impacts. Thus, we recommend treating it gently for best-extended use.

Pros
  • Made with high-quality rust-proof plastic
  • Angle adjustable spray control
  • Include a spike for easy installation
Cons
  • The plastic spray head is not durable

How to choose the best sprinkler head?

1. Purpose

So how can you choose the best one? Well, the first thing you need to do is to know what your purpose in getting one is. Brainstorm with yourself and with your other family members what kind of sprinkler head you’re getting to get.

Are you going to place it in your garden? Or perhaps on your lawn?

You see, each place has its own needs and requirements, which is why you need to make sure that it’s just what you need. Know the purpose so that you can get the best one that’s perfect for you.

what are the best sprinkler heads for your lawn

2. Durability

Durability is a very important thing you need to consider when choosing a sprinkler head or any product in general. This is because it’s where you’ll see if it’s worth buying or not.

Durability is also where its service life depends on, which is why it needs to really be good in quality. This might be difficult to do if it’s your first time getting one.

But by simply giving a keener eye on the product, touching its surface, and looking at the small details, you’re able to know if it’s durable or not. Usually, the heavier the product is, the more durable it is.

3. Spray pattern

Also, know what spray pattern you like. Each sprinkler head has its own spray pattern. Make sure that it suits your own personal preference. It should also be complementary to the size of the area you want to cover.

Bigger lawns are better off with sprinkler heads that have a circular spray pattern. If you have landscaped gardens, you can choose those that have a linear pattern so that the water can go right straight into the plant’s roots.

4. Design

Visual aesthetics is another important aspect you need to instill within you. See to it that the sprinkler head of your choice looks nice. It’s better if it has a sleek and modern feel to it so that your garden or lawn won’t look outdated.

Even though a sprinkler head may seem to be a small part of your garden, it has a big effect on your garden’s overall look. Aside from the design, it should also have a color that can complement your garden. Most people choose those that have a green color so that they can blend in with their surroundings.

who makes the best sprinkler heads

5. Price

The price of the sprinkler head is another important thing to bear in mind. It’s by knowing the price that you’re able to see if it’s worth buying or not. Now, don’t be deceived if the price is expensive because not all sprinkler heads that are priced high are of high quality.

And not all affordable products have bad quality. Sometimes, you just need to weigh the features, the materials used, and the overall look and design so that you’ll know if it’s worth buying or not.

Conclusion

So, what is the best sprinkler head among the 5 products on the list?

Well, we will give a star to Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler. This item possesses an extensive coverage of up to 520 square feet. Besides, it offers more flexibility to adjust the water stream with ease.

All in all, this Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler is worth buying a sprinkler head.

Sale
Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler, Adjustable 20° - 360° Pattern, 20' - 41' Spray Distance*
  • The #1 best-selling brass impact sprinkler
  • Traditional favorite with classic impact sound
  • Brass, bronze, and stainless-steel construction lasts longer than competitors' zinc sprinklers
  • Easy to install and adjust; full (360°) or part circle (20° to 340°) coverage with infinite pattern adjustment
  • Adjustable deflector flap adjusts spray distance from 20' to 41' radius

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

Leave a Comment