With an impulse sprinkler you can optimally water medium-sized to large garden areas. The special circular sprinkler typically has only one nozzle that emits the water jet in a circle and thus achieves a long range. Find out exactly how such a lawn sprinkler works and what to look out for when buying one.

Our recommendations

Cellfast pulsation sprinkler, lawn sprinkler, impulse sprinkler LUX for watering areas up to 530 m², solid metal, circular sprinkler 360°, 52-160
18.37 EUR To the productRange | maximum 530 m² |
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throw distance | 12.5m max |
sector setting | 20-360° |
water pressure | 4 bars |
attachment | ground spike |
material | metal |
The Cellfast LUX impulse sprinkler is one of the bestsellers on Amazon. It is described as very well made and extremely functional. High quality at an amazingly low price - this summary characterizes the model very aptly. Some reviewers even go so far as to call the sprinkler the “rain god”. Basic note: The specified water pressure refers to the value required for the maximum throw distance (also applies to the other two models in our comparison).

Gardena Comfort impulse, circular and sector sprinkler (on spike): large area sprinkler for watering larger areas from 75 to 490 m², stepless range adjustment up to 12.5 m (8141-20)
19.20 EUR To the productRange | 75-490 m² |
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throw distance | 5-12.5m |
sector setting | 25-360° |
water pressure | 4 bars |
attachment | ground spike |
material | plastic |
The impulse sprinkler from the market leader Gardena is extremely popular with numerous Amazon customers. The basic properties are convincing, and the workmanship and handling are also explicitly praised. But: For the fact that the sprinkler is made entirely of plastic, it is relatively expensive. That's why he "only" made it to 2nd place with us.

Relaxdays, irrigation of large areas up to 700 m², 15 m range, 360°, lawn sprinkler, green impulse sprinkler circular sprinkler
EUR 14.90 To the productRange | max. 700 m² |
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throw distance | max 15m |
sector setting | 20-360° |
water pressure | 4 bars |
attachment | ground spike |
material | Metal, plastic |
The Relaxdays impulse sprinkler is made of metal and plastic. It acts as a solid sprinkler. Most reviewers describe it as "working great" and easy to install via the spike. The particularly long range also speaks in favor of the model. But: Many a customer complains about the "somewhat fiddly setting" and the fact that no instructions are included in the scope of delivery.
Purchase Criteria
Range
The range is given in square meters. Of course, there is no blanket right and wrong here. Rather, it depends on the size of the lawn that you want to water with the impulse sprinkler. If you don't know the area yet, measure your garden. When buying, you have to make sure that the circular sprinkler meets your needs. Important: In principle, the range of the sprinkler should be greater, the lower the water pressure is in your area.
throw distance
Two values are important when it comes to throw distance in metres: In addition to the possible maximum, the adjustable minimum can also play an important role - namely when you don't always want to just sprinkle the big picture, but sometimes also want to irrigate specific areas within your green oasis, such as smaller round beds or a hedge. In short, when comparing different sprinklers, always look at both ratings.
setting options
The throw distance is one of several parameters that you can ideally set individually for the impulse sprinkler of your choice - whether with steps or continuously. In particular, it should also be possible to limit sectors - i.e. to water only a semi-circle or a quarter-circle instead of the full circle. It is also practical if you can control the flow rate. Then you have the chance to consciously save water and thus do the environment and your wallet a favor.
water pressure
As already briefly mentioned in the section on the range, the water pressure has a significant influence on the real functional strength of the impulse sprinkler. Before you buy such a circular sprinkler, you should make sure that you have the water pressure required by the device. Most impulse sprinklers depend on a pressure of at least four bar to get the most out of themselves. If the water pressure is too low, the sector irrigation may not work as desired.
attachment
Most of the impulse sprinklers are equipped with a so-called spike. The respective sprinkler is inserted into the ground via this ground spike. The installation is therefore quick and easy. This variant is sufficient and very stable for watering the lawn. The same applies to the models with a classic base. If, on the other hand, you want to irrigate higher crops, you should buy an impulse sprinkler with a tripod like the professionals do - or order the latter as an addition.

boomelaa! Lawn Sprinkler Garden Irrigation Sprinkler Circle Sprinkler Impulse Sprinkler Garden Sprinkler Large Areas Metal 1/2 inch
23.64 EUR To the productuser friendliness
In principle, the impulse sprinkler should be as easy to operate as possible, possibly even intuitive and clearly arranged. At the beginning it can be quite difficult to fathom, understand and make the settings - especially since often no or insufficient operating instructions are included in the scope of delivery. It is best to check before you buy whether there are any explanatory videos from other users or testers on YouTube that will make it easier for you to get started.
material
The trade has impulse sprinklers made of plastic and metal. Metal models are usually more stable and durable, provided the material has the necessary strength. If you choose a plastic version because of the sometimes lower price, the material should be UV-resistant and unbreakable. Also look out for a solid ground spike. If it is not strong enough, it can easily break when anchored in hard and dry ground. Furthermore, the springs and connections should be top quality.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is an impulse sprinkler?
The impulse sprinkler is a specific variant of the circular sprinkler for garden irrigation. It is characteristic that, unlike the other lawn sprinklers (€26.95), it only has one nozzle. The sprinkler uses this to water your green carpet over a large area and in a circular manner. In fact, impulse sprinklers are the longest-ranging irrigators.
Where is an impulse sprinkler preferred?
Due to their long range, impulse sprinklers are recommended for the regular watering of large lawn areas. They are used both in more lush hobby gardens and in the professional sector, for example in parks, on golf courses and soccer fields as well as in agriculture.
How does an impulse sprinkler work?
From the water source, the water is pumped through the garden hose to the impulse sprinkler. There it flows out of the nozzle. A jet separator breaks up the water jet. In this way, the water is distributed in a circular and large area on the lawn. A lever deflects the beam. You can adjust the spring tension of the lever individually. With each deflection, the impulse sprinkler jumps a little further. It rotates around its own axis.
Which brands offer good impulse sprinklers?
The best known and most popular brand of impulse sprinklers is the German manufacturer Gardena, itself a leader in the field of lawn sprinklers in general. Other renowned and popular companies include Bradas and Vyrsa. Relaxdays, Cellfast and Rehau also offer solid to very good models at a reasonable price.
Where is the best place to buy an impulse sprinkler?
Impulse sprinklers are available in all well-stocked garden centers and also in large hardware stores such as OBI, toom, Bauhaus, Hornbach or hagebaumarkt. However, Amazon is the best place to go for a large selection, direct comparison options and a particularly convenient purchase and return procedure.
How much does an impulse sprinkler cost?
Luckily, buying an impulse sprinkler is a relatively inexpensive affair. Most versions cost between 13 and 20 euros - including models from Gardena. You will occasionally come across impulse sprinklers that only cost ten to twelve euros. Conversely, there are also some that cost more than 20 euros. You pay more than 35 euros for professional devices.
equipment
garden hose
Even if the impulse sprinkler saves you the time-consuming manual watering - you can't do without a garden hose. The hose is required as a connection between the sprinkler and the water source (tap, cistern with pump). In terms of thread diameter, it must match the elements mentioned, be long enough and of convincing quality, i.e. be robust and weatherproof.

Gardena Comfort FLEX hose 13 mm (1/2 inch), 30 m: dimensionally stable, flexible garden hose with power grip profile, made of high-quality spiral fabric, 25 bar bursting pressure, without system parts (18036-20)
29.64 EUR To the productwatering machine
With an automatic watering device, the impulse sprinkler becomes part of a fully automatic watering system. Once programmed, the irrigation computer takes care of the sprinkling on its own. It opens the valve at the set time to start the water flow and closes it again at the end. Many machines even allow you to program multiple cycles.
