If you own a home lawn or garden, then you understand the pain of constantly battling weeds, pests, and invasive herbs.
Investing in a high-quality sprayer can simplify weed and pest management by supporting regular spraying of herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals on lawns and gardens.
You can get a backpack sprayer or a handheld one depending on your spraying demands. You can use some sprayers for cleaning applications that require bleach.
In our garden sprayers review, we explore some leading models while choosing the ideal for your gardening needs.
What To Check Before Buying Garden Sprayer?
1. Tank Capacity of Garden Sprayer
Garden sprayers come with tanks of varying capacities. Lower capacities are in the range of 0.53 – 2 gallons, while higher-capacity tanks range between 3 and 5 gallons.
If your spraying projects are intensive and demand large chemical volumes, then you should consider getting a high-capacity sprayer, such as the 4-gallon Field King Professional 190328.
Low-capacity sprayers are great for light-duty applications, which are not time or chemical-intensive. The one-hand Solo 418-2L is ideal for such tasks with its 0.53-gallon tank.
2. Garden Sprayer Flow Rate & Nozzles
Your sprayer’s flow rate is the amount of liquid it dispenses through the nozzle per unit time. It is measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
Often the nozzle determines the sprayer’s flow rate. Wide flat fan nozzles, for instance, tend to have a flow rate of 0.25 GPM, when angled at 70 degrees. Narrow flat fan nozzles often yield a flow rate of 0.15 GPM.
If you want to achieve more flexibility over the sprayer’s flow rate, choose one that comes with multiple nozzles. You can switch them to set a rate that is suitable for a given spraying task.
There are other types of nozzles such as adjustable brass TeeJet, and foaming nozzles, all of which are optimized for different spraying techniques and conditions.
High-volume fan nozzles are ideal for broad spraying while low-volume fan nozzles excel for precision spraying.
3. Body Construction of Garden Sprayer
The construction of your garden sprayer and its components significantly impact the tool’s reliability and durability.
Most of the sprayers in the market, including premium and heavy-duty ones, have tanks made of poly material, which is essential, plastic, but hard enough to withstand rugged conditions and harsh chemicals.
The construction of components such as hoses and wands matters as well. Wands made of stainless steel, for instance, have proven durability.
Also, you should consider the build quality of smaller components such as seals, which prevent drips and leaks. Sprayers with Viton® seals, for instance, are known for their reliable leak prevention.
4. Assembly & Ease of Use
Garden sprayers are fairly easy to assemble. They don’t involve complicated assemblies. So, getting yours up and running after purchase should not present any challenges.
Ensure you are familiar with pressure release and pumping procedures, especially if the model you choose has no pump lever.
In most sprayers, tank filling is made easy by wide mouths, most of which measure 4 inches in diameter. Sprayers with translucent tanks are also easy to fill because you can monitor the liquid levels easily.
If your tank has gallon marking, fluid monitoring is enhanced further, and so is the ease of use.
5. Mobility
Since the operation of a garden hose relies largely on manual effort, mobility becomes a key factor to consider when choosing the tool.
Some sprayers, especially high-capacity ones, can get pretty heavy especially when filled with whatever liquid is being used in the spraying application.
It’s not uncommon for full-size sprayers with large tanks to be weighty, even when empty. At full capacity, mobility may be limited and since you’re likely to get tired fast, moving around with the sprayer may be hard.
Handheld and low-capacity sprayers are more portable because of their low dry and gross weight. These can support extended spraying but may require regular refills.
10 Best Garden Sprayers Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. Field King Professional 190328 (Best Overall) |
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2. Chapin 20002 (Best Budget) |
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3. Field King Max 190348 (Best for Professionals) |
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4. Tabor Tools N50 (Best for Indoor & Outdoor Use) |
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5. Smith 190285 (Best for Bleach & Chemicals) |
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6. Smith Contractor 190216 (Best Versatile) |
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7. Chapin 26021XP (With Superior Filtration) |
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8. Chapin 61500 (Highly Efficient) |
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9. Smith Performance Sprayers R200 (Heavy-duty) |
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10. Solo 418-2L (One-Hand Sprayer) |
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1. Best Overall: Field King Professional 190328
Photo: D.B. Smith
- Tank Capacity: 4 gallons
- Flow Rate: 0.15 – 0.25 GPM
- Wand Length: 21 inches
- Hose Length: 50 inches
The high fluid capacity, reliable no-leak safeguards, and high-performance spraying mechanism makes Field King Professional 190328 our best overall garden sprayer.
To guarantee that harmful chemicals won’t be dripping on your back as you work, this sprayer adopts a no-leak pump design. The performance of this system is impressive, considering the high 4-gallon tank capacity of the sprayer.
It sprays through a long 50-inch reinforced hose and a heavy-duty 21-inch poly wand, the latter of which comes fitted with high-quality Viton® seals, which are only resistant to chemicals.
You also get 4 premium nozzles, including 1 brass adjustable, 2 flat fans, and 1 foaming nozzle to boost the tool’s spraying versatility by supporting multiple styles.
Because Field King Professional 190328 is a premium sprayer, it is notably pricey compared to many of its rivals that are more welcoming to budget buyers.
Pros:
- Eliminates pump leaks
- High tank capacity
- Heavy-duty wand & hose combo
- High-performance shutoff
- Multiple nozzles for versatility
Cons:
- Pricey for the budget buyer
2. Best Budget: Chapin 20002
Photo: Chapin International
- Tank Capacity: 2 gallons
- Flow Rate: 0.4 – 0.5 GPM
- Wand Length: 12 inches
- Hose Length: 34 inches
Chapin 20002, our best budget garden sprayer, is a high-quality and easy-to-use garden companion that handles all common weed killers and pesticides safely.
Although the sprayer is very compact, it still manages to squeeze a 2-gallon funnel-top tank in this unit, maximizing utility. This tank is translucent to simplify the fill-up and cleaning process. Opening and closing the tank is very easy and straightforward.
Because this is a handheld type, it comes fitted with an ergonomic handle, which boosts ease of carrying and pumping. The handle does a good job of reducing palm strain.
You get some decent reach from this sprayer thanks to its 12-inch wand, which is supported by a 34-inch reinforced hose. The wand’s nozzle is also adjustable to suit different spraying styles.
The Chapin 20002 does, however, miss out on the pressure release valve, which can save you some manual effort.
Pros:
- Reasonable price
- Decent tank capacity for the size
- Simplified handling and pumping
- Optimal wand & hose length
Cons:
- No pressure release valve
3. Best for Professionals: Field King Max 190348
Photo: Field King
- Tank Capacity: 4 gallons
- Flow Rate: 0.15 – 0.25 GPM
- Wand Length: 21 inches
- Hose Length: 50 inches
If you’re a professional who sprays herbicides to gardens regularly, you can benefit a lot from King Max 190348’s wealth of high-performance features.
It guarantees drip-free spraying through an internal no-leak pump, which prevents harmful chemicals contained in the 4-gallon tank from dripping or leaking on your back.
A durable 21-inch stainless steel wand helps deliver chemicals to their target areas. It is fitted with high-quality Viton® seals, which are resistant to chemicals.
4 robust nozzles have been included with this sprayer. The brass adjustable nozzles deliver cone-pattern streams, while the wide flat nozzle supports a flow rate of 0.25 GPM when angled at 70 degrees.
Finally, this sprayer comes equipped with a deluxe harness with a back pad to provide comfortable lumbar support for all-day operation.
We did note, however, that at 12.8 pounds, Field King Max 190348 is weighty. When full, this will also increase and need some extra effort to support.
Pros:
- Eliminates chemical leaks
- A long heavy-duty wand
- High-performance nozzles
- Comfortable harness
Cons:
- Weighty unit
4. Best Indoor and Outdoor: Tabor Tools N50
Photo: Tabor Tools
- Tank Capacity: 1.3 gallons
- Wand Length: 16.5 inches
- Hose Length: 50 inches
Tabor Tools N50 excels in indoor and outdoor spraying because its features are optimized for operational versatility and handling multiple chemicals.
It is an efficient compression sprayer that handles a wide range of commercial liquid fertilizers, pesticides, weed killers, herbicides, fungicides. The sprayer can also accommodate water of up to 131°F and solvent-free chemicals (pH 5 – 8).
You’ll find it easy to fill the 1.3-gallon tank thanks to its funnel-top opening, which enhances no-mess filling. After filling it up, simply close the lid and pump up the pressure to start the process.
A heavy-duty 16.5-inch wand offers effective and targeted reach, which is also boosted by a 50-inch hose. There’s also a shoulder strap included simplifying carrying and ease the load on your back.
Even though Tabor Tools N50 handles a wide range of chemicals, it is not ideal for caustic or acidic solutions.
Pros:
- Handles a vast range of chemicals
- Easy to fill and operate
- Heavy-duty sprayer wand
- Comfortable handling
Cons:
- Not suitable for acidic and caustic fluids
5. Best Versatile: Smith Contractor Max 190216
Photo: D.B. Smith
- Tank Capacity: 2 gallons
- Flow Rate: 0.15 – 0.25 GPM
- Wand Length: 21 inches
- Hose Length: 50 inches
Offering 5 robust and high-performance nozzles, Smith Contractor Max 190216 is one of the most versatile garden sprayers you can get for your home and commercial projects.
It comes with a poly adjustable nozzle, brass adjustable nozzle, 2 flat fans, and a high-performance foaming nozzle, all of which combine to diversify the range of applications the sprayer can handle. The tool will clean, sanitize, and apply harsh chemicals.
A 21-inch poly want delivers chemicals with pinpoint efficiency while containing leaks and drips through its adoption of Viton® seals, which are also chemical-resistant. These seals are evenly distributed in the pump and shut-off as well.
Speaking of the shut-off, it is a premium unit with a comfortable grip, and lock-on feature, making the entire unit easy to operate. It is also easy to clean for more hassle-free operation.
We do wish, however, that the Smith Contractor Max 190216 could have clearer markings on the tank. It is hard to monitor the liquid levels on this one.
Pros:
- Versatile high-performance nozzles
- Heavy-duty sealed wand
- Premium shut-off with lock-on
- Comfortable grip
Cons:
- Markings on the tank are not clear
6. Best for Bleach and Chemicals: Smith 190285
Photo: D.B. Smith
- Tank Capacity: 1 gallon
- Wand Length: 15 inches
- Hose Length: 36 inches
If your spraying applications involve the use of breach, then Smith 190285 is the best garden sprayer for these jobs.
This multi-purpose sprayer is optimized for use across a wide range of indoor and outdoor projects including cleaning of tubs, showers, bricks, locker rooms, and more. Most of these tasks demand the use of bleach and other chemicals, which the sprayer handles quite well.
This compact sprayer is easy to use thanks to a no-spill funnel top fitted on the 1-gallon see-through tank, which also has clear fill markings. After filling it, simply place the pump, lock it securely, and pressurize with a few strokes.
Chemicals’ delivery is handled by a 36-inch-long reinforced hose, which has a strong 15-inch wand attached.
To enhance user safety when spraying bleach, the pump and wand use high-quality Viton seals, and gaskets, which are chemical-resistant for tool longevity.
The 1-gallon tank of Smith 190285 is, however, rather small, which translates to constant ref-fills for extensive spraying tasks.
Pros:
- Safely handles bleach and chemicals
- Versatile multipurpose sprayer
- Easy to full and spray
- Chemical-resistant seals
Cons:
- Not ideal for extensive spraying
7. Highly-Efficient: Chapin 61500
Photo: Chapin International Store
- Tank Capacity: 4 gallons
- Flow Rate: 0.4 – 0.5 GPM
- Wand Length: 20 inches
- Hose Length: 48 inches
Chapin 61500 is a high-performance sprayer that’s built to deliver superior efficiency in a wide range of home and professional spraying applications.
It features a high-capacity 4-inch tank, which has a wide 4-inch opening to enhance the ease of cleaning and filling the translucent unit.
They make this spray versatile and ideal for handling common weed killers, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Spraying efficiency is enhanced by a 2-stage filtration system, which adopts 1 filter at the top, and another at the shut-off to boost the overall performance of this process.
A poly shut-off has also been included. It comes with 2 heavy-duty nozzles; an adjustable poly, and a fan tip nozzle, which manage a high flow rate of 0.4 – 0.5 GPM.
Its backpack design aims at supporting the prolonged operation and padded shoulder straps have been added to enhance comfort for the entire spraying duration.
The Chapin 61500, is, however, a pricey for the buyer on a budget.
Pros:
- High-capacity wide-mouth tank
- Efficient filtration system
- Heavy-duty nozzles
- Comfortable shoulder straps
Cons:
- Not pocket-friendly
8. Heavy-Duty: Smith Performance Sprayers R200
Photo: Smith Performance Sprayers
- Tank Capacity: 2 gallons
- Flow Rate: 0.15 – 0.25 GPM
- Wand Length: 21 inches
- Hose Length: 50 inches
For experts who demand a heavy-duty garden sprayer that will withstand harsh agricultural conditions, chemicals, and regular transport, Smith Performance Sprayers R200 is a wise pick.
It features premium components to support intensive usage. They include a durable 21-inch stainless steel wand with an exclusive poly lining and high-quality Viton seals for superior chemical resistance.
Another heavy-duty component is the high-efficiency pump, which requires about 25% fewer pumps per gallon, compared to those in standard sprayers.
Then there’s the inline easy-access filter, which offers a larger surface area than a similar one in competition models. The filter excels at clog reduction while minimizing demand for cleaning.
You’ll also love how easy it is to maintain the entire unit. Changing pump seals takes minutes and does not require any tools. There’s very little downtime with this sprayer.
The gallon marks on Smith Performance Sprayers R200 are, however, not very easy to spot. They could be clearer.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty and strong wand
- Efficient pump
- High-performance filter
- Easy to maintain
Cons:
- Gallons marks are hard to see
9. Superior Filtration: Chapin 26021XP
Photo: Chapin International
- Tank Capacity: 2 gallons
- Flow Rate: 0.4 – 0.5 GPM
- Wand Length: 20 inches
- Hose Length: 48 inches
A superior filtration system is what sets Chapin 26021XP apart from its competition.
This compact garden sprayer boasts an efficient 3-stage filtration system, with an elaborate setup that ensures smooth delivery of chemicals and other fluids to their target areas.
There’s also an in-tank removable/cleanable filter, which helps enhance the entire process even more.
Besides superior filtration, the sprayer offers a 2-gallon translucent tank, which is easy to fill thanks to its 4-inch opening.
To support a wide range of applications, the sprayer offers a cushion grip, which shut-off with 3 nozzles.
The spraying process is boosted by a long 48-inch hose and 20-inch heavy-duty wand. And you can count on its ergonomic handle to simply both pumping and carrying.
It is disappointing, however, that Chapin 26021XP’s tank has no external markings for easy monitoring of fluid levels during filling and spraying.
Pros:
- Efficient filtration system
- Wide tank opening
- Supports may applications
- Easy to carry and pump
Cons:
- No external tank markings
10. Best One-Hand: Solo 418-2L
Photo: Solo
Ideal for light-duty spraying and cleaning tasks, Solo 418-2L is the only one-hand garden sprayer on our list. It’s lightweight and compact build supports high portability for multiple applications, including gardening, auto cleaning, disinfections, and even indoor projects.
The unit is very compact to help get the job done as fast as possible while reducing fatigue by a significant margin. Fatigue and strain reduction are further enhanced by a solo incorporated lock-on trigger which eliminates the need to apply constant pressure on the handle.
There’s a unique drift/drip guard added around the sprayer’s nozzle to enhanced controlled spraying during the application of chemicals, especially to targeted spots.
It is especially easy to use because of the simplified filling process, which is followed by pressurization of the tank, and finally, unlocking of the trigger to activate the continuous spraying process.
At only 0.53 gallons in capacity, however, the Solo 418-2L does not support prolonged spraying because it’s required frequent tiresome and time-consuming re-fills.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Reliable anti-drip protection
- Fatigue-reducing trigger
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- Not ideal for prolonged spaying
Conclusion
From our garden sprayers review, it’s clear these tools can boost gardening productivity by helping contain weeds, pests, and invasive herbs.
If you want the best of them all, choose our top pick, Field King Professional 190328. It is a high-capacity sprayer with a no-leak pump and a heavy-duty wand/hose combo for intensive spraying.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still get quality and reliability from the pocket-friendly Chapin 20002.
If you’re a professional, the Field King Max 190348 has been tuned to support a wide range of applications with its premium features and enhanced comfort.
In this post:
- What To Check Before Buying Garden Sprayer?
- 10 Best Garden Sprayers Reviewed
- 1. Best Overall: Field King Professional 190328
- 2. Best Budget: Chapin 20002
- 3. Best for Professionals: Field King Max 190348
- 4. Best Indoor and Outdoor: Tabor Tools N50
- 5. Best Versatile: Smith Contractor Max 190216
- 6. Best for Bleach and Chemicals: Smith 190285
- 7. Highly-Efficient: Chapin 61500
- 8. Heavy-Duty: Smith Performance Sprayers R200
- 9. Superior Filtration: Chapin 26021XP
- 10. Best One-Hand: Solo 418-2L
- Conclusion