Photo: Chapin International
The hose end sprayer is one of the easiest ways to fertilize your lawn with any type of water-soluble fertilizer. This tool automatically mixes the fertilizer in the correct ratio for your lawn.
Simply insert your fertilizer in the canister, connect your water hose, and you have a complete and professional lawn treatment system.
What you will appreciate about the hose end sprayer is its ease-of-use. You do not need any experience, and it is extremely easy to use by absolute beginners.
With the hose end sprayer, you do not have to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on professional lawn service. You can do it all by yourself on the cheap.
Without any further ado, let’s check our review below, which contains some of the best hose end sprayers on the market.
In this post:
- 7 Best Hose End Sprayers – Review
- 1. Chapin International G362 – Excellent Price to Performance Ratio
- 2. HD Hudson 60000GT – Superior Stream Distance
- 3. Ortho Dial N Spray 0841010 – Ergonomic and Comfortable to Use
- 4. Hudson Self Mixing Model 60000 – Versatile and Large Capacity
- 5. Chapin International G390 – Most Affordable Solution
- 6. RL Flo-master 36HE6 – Easy to Adjust Spray Pattern
- 7. Hudson 2100 – Easy to Use by Absolute Beginners
- How to Buy the Best Hose End Sprayers
- Conclusion
7 Best Hose End Sprayers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Chapin International G362 (Excellent Price to Performance Ratio) |
| |
 | 2. HD Hudson 60000GT (Superior Stream Distance) |
| |
 | 3. Ortho Dial N Spray 0841010 (Ergonomic & Comfortable to Use) |
| |
 | 4. Hudson Self Mixing Model 60000 (Versatile & Large Capacity) |
| |
 | 5. Chapin International G390 (Most Affordable) |
| |
 | 6. RL Flo-master 36HE6 (Easy to Adjust) |
| |
 | 7. Hudson 2100 (Easy to Use by Absolute Beginners) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Chapin International G362 (Excellent Price to Performance Ratio)
|
2. HD Hudson 60000GT (Superior Stream Distance)
|
3. Ortho Dial N Spray 0841010 (Ergonomic & Comfortable to Use)
|
4. Hudson Self Mixing Model 60000 (Versatile & Large Capacity)
|
5. Chapin International G390 (Most Affordable)
|
6. RL Flo-master 36HE6 (Easy to Adjust)
|
7. Hudson 2100 (Easy to Use by Absolute Beginners)
|
1. Chapin International G362 – Excellent Price to Performance Ratio
Photo: Chapin International
The Chapin International G362 is a popular hose end sprayer used by both amateur and professional lawn services. The reason for its popularity is simple. This model is very competitively priced and has a superior capacity of 100 gallons.
So, you will be able to use this sprayer whether your lawn is big or small. It can do it all! Furthermore, this unit has excellent built construction with a metal handle and thick plastic canister. The mixing head is made from brass, which is non-reactive.
But one of the best features of this model is its ability to connect to any type of standard size garden hose. It uses a universal connector that makes it extremely easy to mount. Also, inside this sprayer there is a metal filter that is easy to clean and will prevent clogging.
Moreover, it has a spray setting of up to 16 mixing ratios, which gives you a lot of versatility. You can use any type of water-soluble fertilizer with this hose end sprayer, and you will get a quality result.
The only caveats we note with this product is that it is heavier than average because it has metal parts. Also, the sprayer will easily spill fertilizer or pesticide if tilted to the side. But other than that, this model remains one of the best garden hose end sprayers for the money.
Pros:
- Good performance and competitive price
- The superior capacity of 100 gallons
- Versatile with up to 16 mixing ratios
- Great build construction with a brass mixing head
Cons:
- Heavier than average
- It leaks easily when tilted on the side
2. HD Hudson 60000GT – Superior Stream Distance
Photo: HUDSON, H D MFG CO
What separates the HD Hudson 60000GT from the rest of the competition is its high stream distance of 30 feet. Since it can spit fertilizer for so long, this model is ideal for those who need to fertilize a large lawn greater than 1,000 square feet.
You get a metal activator and handle with this hose end sprayer. It will not corrode or rust over time. Moreover, the mixing head is made from brass for even better durability.
We also like the fact that this sprayer has a capacity of 100 gallons. This is clearly a heavy-duty hose end sprayer for regular use. The bottle itself is made from a thick polymer that will last a long time.
Moreover, this top-rated hose end sprayer has 16 mixing ratios that make it versatile to use with almost any type of fertilizer or pesticides out there.
The only issue we have with this product is its price, which is a bit expensive. Furthermore, the canister connector cap is made from plastic and fragile. You need to be careful when connecting the sprayer to the canister.
Pros:
- High stream distance of 30 feet
- The superior capacity of 100 gallons. Excellent coverage
- Versatile. Up to 16 mixing ratios
- Thick polymer container
Cons:
- A bit expensive. The price could have been better
- Canister connector cap is made from plastic and fragile
3. Ortho Dial N Spray 0841010 – Ergonomic and Comfortable to Use
Photo: Ortho
The Ortho Dial N Spray 0841010 is one of the best hose end fertilizer sprayers when it comes to ergonomics. Indeed, this model has a long and ergonomic handle that is very comfortable to hold.
If you need to spray fertilizer on your lawn or garden for an extended period, then this model is an excellent choice. It does a great job limiting hand fatigue.
Also, it has no less than 14 mixing ratios so that you can accurately mix any type of fertilizer or pesticides, depending on the manufacturer’s requirements. Adjusting the mixing ratio is very easy. It has a large jar, so you can use a lot of fertilizer to get big coverage.
In addition, it has 3 adjustable spray patterns to adapt to your needs. Best of all, this hose end sprayer comes with an impressive 10-year warranty by the manufacturer. You have very little to lose by going with this model.
When it comes to building quality, it’s very good. The plastic used in its build construction is thick and durable.
The only cons with this unit are that there is a slow restrictor in it that limits its stream distance.
Also, the connector seal in the part that connects the sprayer to your garden hose is not the best quality and fragile. It will need replacement down the line.
Pros:
- Long and ergonomic handle. Comfortable to hold
- 3 easy to adjust spray patterns
- 10-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Inbuilt flow restrictor limits the stream distance
- Connector seal is fragile and may need replacement
4. Hudson Self Mixing Model 60000 – Versatile and Large Capacity
Photo: Hudson
The Hudson Self Mixing Model 60000 is a beast when it comes to capacity. Indeed, this versatile sprayer can spread up to 100 gallons of fertilizer in one go. You can use this model if you have a large lawn or garden because it has impressive coverage.
Moreover, the handle is made from metal better durability. The mixing head is also made from a quality brass material that will not corrode or react with the fertilizer, giving it a long lifetime.
This model has a polyethylene container with clear markings to the side. It can fill up fertilizer up to 16 ounces. Even better, there is no complex assembly to perform with this hose end sprayer. It already comes pre-assembled, so it is very beginner-friendly.
The only issue we take with this hose end sprayer is its plastic container cap. It is not very heavy-duty, and you need to be careful when operating it. Furthermore, this unit does not spray very far, so not ideal for spraying tall trees.
But other than those small caveats, this model works best for spraying the lawn or garden and remains one of the best garden hose end sprayers out there.
Pros:
- Large capacity of 100 gallons
- 16 mixing ratios allows it to work with any type of pesticidal fertilizer
- Metal handle and a brass mixing head for better durability
- Container fertilizer level is clearly marked
Cons:
- The container cap is made from a fragile plastic
- Does not spray very far
5. Chapin International G390 – Most Affordable Solution
Photo: Chapin International
When it comes to price, the Chapin International G390 is the best hose end sprayer out there.
If you are on a short budget or want to test out a hose end sprayer and see how it works, this model is an excellent choice.
It has a capacity of 20 gallons, which is not the best we have seen in this review. However, it is still more than enough for an average lawn of 1,000 square feet.
Despite being low-priced, this model still offers you various customizations like the possibility to adjust the mixing ratio as well as the sprayer pattern.
Another neat feature with this sprayer is that you can switch it on or off with your fingertip, which makes it very easy to use. And if you want to apply the fertilizer directly over your lawn, you can quickly and easily remove the spray nozzle.
The only caveats with this model are that the design is not the best we have seen. You need to be careful when operating it because it can easily spill fertilizer over your hands if tilted too much. Also, the plastic container is quite thin and could have been thicker.
Pros:
- Very affordable. Good value
- Easy to switch this sprayer on or off with your fingertip
- Possibility to adjust the mixing ratio and spray pattern
- The sprayer nozzle can easily be removed for direct application
Cons:
- Thin plastic container
- It can easily leak fertilizer over your hand
6. RL Flo-master 36HE6 – Easy to Adjust Spray Pattern
Photo: RL FLOMASTER
The RL Flo-master 36HE6 is a simple hose end sprayer that comes in an attractive vivid green color. What demarks this model is its spray patterns that are easy to adjust. Simply turn the knob to the side of this sprayer, and it will rotate between 3 different spray patterns of fan, cone, and stream.
It is one of the best adjustable hose end sprayers on the market. Moreover, this model makes it easy to spray any pesticide or fertilizers that are water-soluble.
Best, you will have no problem connecting this hose end sprayer to any garden hose of standard size because of its hose-end quick connect system.
Also, what we like about this product is that it comes with an impressive 10-year warranty by the manufacturer.
And if you have never used a hose end sprayer before and not sure where to start, this unit comes with detailed instructions that will show you exactly how.
All in all, the price is right, and the functionality is there with the RL Flo-master 36HE6.
The only problem we have with this model is that it lacks spraying power. You need some decent water pressure to operate this sprayer. Furthermore, the build construction is not the best we have seen, so you need to be careful during operation.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust the spray pattern
- Quick connect feature makes it easy to connect to any garden hose
- Impressive 10-year manufacturer warranty
- You get detailed instructions on how to use it
Cons:
- It lacks power when spraying
- Not the best build construction quality
7. Hudson 2100 – Easy to Use by Absolute Beginners
Photo: Hudson
The Hudson 2100 is one of the simplest and easiest hose end sprayers to use. If you do not have any experience operating a hose end sprayer, you will have no problem with this model.
This sprayer allows you to spray anywhere from 1 to 20 gallons of fertilizer or pesticide with ease. Simply fill the canister with your fertilizer, connected to your hose, and you are good to go.
Furthermore, this hose end sprayer comes with a detailed instructions manual that will show you exactly how to use it.
What we like about this product is you can easily switch between watering mode and mixing mode. Turn the valve at the top clockwise for it to mix the fertilizer. If you want to simply water your lawn, then turn it anticlockwise, and it will turn into a regular water hose.
Despite its simplicity, the Hudson 2100 is an excellent model to fertilize or water your lawn or garden. It is one of the best hose end fertilizer sprayers that you can purchase because of its ease-of-use and versatility.
The only caveats with this product are that it is almost entirely made from plastic. It is not as durable when compared to other models in this review. Also, there is no way to adjust the spray pattern on this hose end sprayer.
Pros:
- Easy to use by absolute beginners
- Comes with a detailed instructions manual
- It can be used as both a water and fertilizer sprayer
Cons:
- Fragile. Made almost entirely out of plastic
- You cannot adjust the spray pattern
How to Buy the Best Hose End Sprayers
Photo: Hudson
1. Hose Compatibility
One of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing a hose end sprayer is ensuring hose compatibility.
This is especially important if you already own a hose and purchasing a hose end sprayer afterward.
If you are not sure, you should measure the diameter, both internal and external, of the hose and try to match it up with the hose end sprayer connection fittings.
However, most modern-day hose end sprayers are versatile. They will usually connect to any garden hoses with a standard size of 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch with ease.
For this to work, you should also ensure that your hose end sprayer comes with all installation accessories, including connection adapters.
In addition, this sprayer should come with a detailed instruction manual if you are an absolute newbie and have never used this tool before.
2. Liquid or Powder Mix
Most hose end sprayers on the market are designed to work with a liquid fertilizer mix.
However, you should pick a sprayer model that works with a powder mix in place. You decide to use a powdered fertilizer. It will all depend on your use case scenario.
Furthermore, remember that with any powder mix, you will need to add water for the hose end sprayer to work.
You will need to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions manual on how much water to add.
3. Capacity
There are 2 types of capacities when it comes to the hose end sprayer. The first one is the capacity of the hose end sprayer’s canister that contains the fertilizer concentrate.
The second type of capacity is how much water the hose end sprayer has been designed to handle in one spraying session.
For example, a few top-rated hose end sprayers have a capacity of 100 gallons. This shows that the manufacturer guarantees that it will be able to spray 100 gallons in 1 session without clogging or failing.
4. Mixing Ratio
Simply put, the mixing ratio is the proportion of fertilizer that the hose end sprayer automatically mixes with water for spraying.
Most lawn fertilizer treatment usually requires anywhere from 8 to 16 mixing ratios. However, your fertilizer manufacturer may have different requirements. But when it comes to mixing rations, the more it has, the better.
Furthermore, you may need to read the instructions manual that comes with your fertilizer to ensure the correct mixing ratio. Usually, you will find this value on the packaging itself.
5. Stream Pattern
The stream pattern is simply the shape of fertilizer that exits the nozzle of the hose end sprayer. Common stream patterns are heavy-flow, pinpoint stream, mist, etc.
Being able to adjust the stream is vital because you need a specific stream at various stages of the lawn.
For example, a tall lawn with thick foliage will usually require a thin stream so as not to burn the leaves.
6. Stream Distance
In addition to the stream pattern above, you should also consider the stream distance. This is how far the hose end sprayer can eject fertilizer.
As a recommendation, if you must fertilize a large lawn that is greater than 1,000 square feet, then it is best to go with a hose end sprayer that has a stream distance of at least 30 feet.
The greater the stream distance, the better for bigger lawn areas. This is because a big stream distance will allow you to cover a greater surface area in a shorter amount of time.
Moreover, if you wish to fertilize leaves on tall trees, you should ensure that your hose end sprayer can spray that far.
7. Ease to Use and Clean
You should also ensure that your hose end sprayer is easy to clean. You should be able to easily remove the various components of this tool for cleaning.
Residual fertilizer left to dry in a sprayer can cause clogging and dysfunction. So, you should thoroughly wash it after each use.
Conclusion
As we have seen, the hose end sprayer is a fantastic accessory that allows you to quickly and easily add fertilizer to your lawn or garden.
You do not need any experience to operate it. You do not need to pay for a professional lawn service with the hose end sprayer. Furthermore, you can do it yourself without spending a fortune.