10 Best Fertilizer Spreaders Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Fertilizer Spreader Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide

 

Here you’ll find some much-needed information about the best fertilizer spreaders out there, especially if you don’t have that much free time on your hands so you can drag it out of the numerous websites on the matter. After a lot of reading and browsing, our team has come to the conclusion that the best thing you can do for your garden is to get the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard DLX Broadcast Spreader. This device comes with patented EdgeGuard technology, has the ability to deliver more accurate coverage, and also fits well with Scotts lawn food, providing superior overall results. In the unfortunate event that you can’t order it right now because other customers have already claimed all the available stock, the good news is that the same company offers another great product so you should also take a look at the Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Fertilizer Spreaders (Updated Reviews) in 2025

 

 

Fertilizer spreaders are an amazing help for people who have wide yards and fertilizing such a surface by hand would be a gruesome task. With the myriad of choices out there, our team has put in a lot of time to ensure we can show you the better options on the market and let you make your own educated decision.

 

 

1. Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard DLX Broadcast Spreader

 

The best fertilizer spreaders are notoriously famous for being able to spread their entire load without making you feel like you are doing any work at all and this one obviously follows the same pattern. The EdgeGuard technology aids tremendously when it comes to this while the control panel’s precision rate settings work to deliver unrivaled coverage.

Furthermore, as with any company that takes care of its own, this product has been designed to ensure that the best possible results come when it is used in conjunction with Scotts lawn food B000ET408K so you would do well to also pick that up too and watch your garden or whatever your terrain is being used for bloom in a beautiful way.

Last but not least, this fertilizer spreader also looks good, sporting a solid, hands-on approach that will make you want to talk the talk and walk the walk.

 

Pros

Using this product, you will be able to apply grass seed and fertilizer regardless of the season that you want to be doing this in.

The large hopper has the ability to hold up to 15,000 square feet of lawn product, ideally Scotts Lawn Care Products if the truth were to be told, and the good thing is that it comes ready to use and pre-calibrated, which seems to be one of the problems of some of the similar products out there.

Use the spreader and enjoy a uniform coverage of your granular products, allowing you to avoid uneven feeding, weeds, or even diseases.

 

Cons

If you have a large, spacious yard and will fill the bin up to its brink all the time, you may have a harder time using this product as the handle seems quite inflexible when working with quantities near its limit.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader

 

If you like to be smart in your work, a tow behind fertilizer spreader can prove to be invaluable and, as such, you may want to take a look at this product offered by Scotts. Allowing you to apply fertilizer and grass seed in spring, summer, and fall, this will be your go-to tool for gardening and terrain-nourishing year-round.

The stylish and manageable hopper can carry up to 10,000 square feet of product and, if the manufacturer is to be believed, yields the best results when you combine this fertilizer spreader with Scotts Lawn Care Product in order to get the best of both worlds and enjoy success after success.

The heavy-duty and durable frame will ensure you have enough stability to get the work done even if you’re going over rough terrain or surfaces which would otherwise challenge you when it comes to this.

 

Pros

One of the best things about this product is that it comes fully assembled and, judging from worldwide reviews on pretty much all fertilizer spreaders out there, this seems to be a general issue as those that are not assembled properly will obviously offer poor performance.

The 22-inch spread pattern delivers a wide surface coverage, allowing you to feel safe that you have reached all the spaces that you were intending to.

Also, the device is quite accurate so you can rest assured your resources are not going anywhere else.

The Turf Builder also comes pre-calibrated so you can have it up and running in your yard mere seconds after taking it out of the box.

 

Cons

One of the less appealing parts about this item is that it seems to be delivered with no packaging of any kind so you should keep this in mind if you have any safety concerns.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Scotts Elite Broadcast EdgeGuard Spreader

 

As most seasoned vets will tell you, a hand held fertilizer spreader is more than enough to get the job done, especially if the terrain you have to cover is not that large. This product comes with a dual-rotor technology that will not only provide unbeatable accuracy and a 6 feet spread pattern but has also been heralded as the company’s most accurate spreader ever!

Scotts really went big on this one and has increased the quantity of product that it is able to withstand to 20,000 square feet of anything and everything between grass seed, salt, ice melt, and of course, fertilizer.

Scotts is one of the most trusted companies when it comes to fertilizer spreaders and while tuning the horn of your own product is one of the oldest marketing tricks in the book, the confidence it shows in this one is really something.

 

Pros

Another thing that will surely draw you in is the set of tires that will never let you down regardless of the terrain you have to go over to get the job done.

Technology was also incorporated as not only is the handle ergonomic to avoid tiring your hand but it also comes with a cool smartphone holder for those moments when you want to spread fertilizer and watch your latest favorite TV series at the same time.

This item was designed with the desire to improve upon the older versions and veterans of the series will notice an application rate 20% faster than the previous one.

 

Cons

The only thing that you should know and may cause you to second-guess purchasing this fertilizer spreader is the fact that it does require a minor assembly in order to be functional. Also, don’t forget to remove the agitator pins when you’re spreading coarse rock salt.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader with EdgeGuard Technology

 

If you don’t have so large a surface that you need a wheeled product, cheap fertilizer spreaders that can be held in your hand are a great choice in order to take care of your gardening needs without getting down and dirty yourself.

This is a reliable battery-powered spreader and, since it is so mobile, you can use it year-round without any issues. It is the best thing you could buy in order to accurately and quickly spread grass seed, weed control products, lawn fertilizer, and so on. The EdgeGuard technology is also at play here, allowing for a 5-foot broadcast for efficient results.

The design of the product is simple yet very pragmatic as you can pretty much tell from the get-go what everything is and what it does. As basic as it seems to be, you’ll quickly notice that the results from using it are anything but that.

 

Pros

One of the most advanced spreaders on the hand-held market, specifically created to allow owners to spread anything they might need year-round, without having to timetable their actions based on the weather or the seasons.

You can even use the Wizz to spread ice melt during those long and cold winter months so it’s really a tool to have during all four seasons!

The EdgeGuard technology has the ability to block the left side of the spreader pattern when it is engaged, preventing product from spreading into areas where you don’t want it to get.

 

Cons

Replacing the batteries on this baby is not the easiest process in the world as you first need to empty it of all content so you can get to the parts that have to be unscrewed.

It may sometimes refuse to work without any reason but it seems to happen when it is loaded to the brink with product.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader

 

According to fertilizer spreaders reviews, a hand-powered device can be quite sufficient if you don’t have a large surface of ground that you have to cover. Due to this, this tool from Scotts is the perfect one to have for taking care of small yards and nourishing them to look their best and brightest year-round.

The reason we say year-round is because you can use this fertilizer spreader for anything gardening-related from weed protection, fertilizing, seeding, and even applying ice melt in the winter. As a result, you can pretty much rest assured that once you buy this it will be the only product you need for taking care of your little green piece of Heaven.

The manufacturer took great care to engineer its design so that it applies even coverage and you’ll never have problems regarding product reaching surfaces you don’t want it to reach.

 

Pros

The product is able to deliver fast and smooth coverage on restricted areas, allowing you to carefully measure how much product you are using for a certain piece of land.

It also features an adjustable arm support that will prove invaluable if you have to spend a long time carefully going through your plants.

Furthermore, one of the best things about this fertilizer spreader is that it comes fully assembled and you only need to spend seconds in order to use it straight after taking it out of the box. Considering the number of people who dislike having to assemble such devices at home, this is quite the perk.

 

Cons

The rotating device seems prone to breaking up after a while, especially if you live in a place with lots of humidity that tends to clog everything up and cause issues whenever you want to do some work in the garden.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. Agri-Fab 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader

 

All jokes aside, some of us need some bigger toys when it comes to cultivating the land and getting a fertilizer spreader for tractor is as big as it gets in this line of work. Due to this, Agri-Fab brings this cool, black-and-red tough guy that has a 130-pound hopper capacity, saving you quite a lot of time when having to refill on larger acreage lawns.

Since you will be hooking it up to an engined machine, the connecting rod needs to be stable and steady as it indeed is, offering precise control and easy-to-use settings while still being maneuverable.

This product will help you build that beautiful lawn that you’ve always dreamt of having, especially since it comes with a gearbox that will make sure you do not spread product in areas where you don’t want it to go, saving you quite a lot of time and money in the long run.

 

Pros

Fill it up and start rolling as this fertilizer spreader can cover up to 25,000 square feet in one fill so you better get your farming boots on!

You can also opt for some accessories like a hopper cover and a deflector that will work wonders for keeping the material dry and even restricting the spreading pattern even more, up to a very precise one.

The high-quality materials used to craft it will ensure that this Tow Behind spreader will last you for years to come as long as you take some care of it and don’t just leave it lying around once you’re through with it.

 

Cons

One thing that might turn away some customers is that you have to put the product together as it comes in pieces.

Some parts feel like they’re a little on the “low-quality” end of the scale, even though the spreader as a whole should get the job done without any issues.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. Agri-Fab 85 lb. Tow Broadcast Spreader

 

Affordable fertilizer spreaders are definitely not hard to get, especially if you look at what Agri-Fab has in store and ready to offer. With a capacity of 85 pounds, this little baby will allow you to cover an area of about 14,000 square feet with a single load so for your own garden or even for wider fields, this can be just the thing you need.

This broadcast spreader will be instrumental in helping you grow that garden that you’ve always wanted. What you will want to remember is that the best time to use such a device is always in the spring because that’s just the way nature works. Also, for the best results possible, spread grass seed over bare areas whenever you feel the need to.

Furthermore, a cable flow control acts as an easy way to open or close during the spreading process so that you always know what you are doing.

 

Pros

While smaller than other versions, this is a portable fertilizer spreader that can still cover a wide area and will get the job done without any issues.

You’ll notice that the product will be spread in a 10-foot range, allowing you to accurately control the landing zone so you know exactly what goes where.

While some assembly is indeed required to get everything up and running, your delivery package will come with an instruction guide that should guide you through every step of the process.

The cable flow control acts as yet another way in which you can feel completely secure about the efficiency of the process and the amount of product you are spreading.

 

Cons

Since the product does not come ready to use, the assembly process may prove to be a challenge for some people who are not very good at this sort of thing.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

8. Solo, Inc. 20-Pound Capacity Portable Chest-mount Spreader

 

This product is proof that a seed and fertilizer spreader can come in many ways, shapes, and forms. What you will mostly like about it is that the screw-on cap acts as a perfect barrier in order to prevent spillage as well as protect the operator from ingesting chemicals and dust that can be potentially dangerous.

For those of us who have babies, you may already know that the chest harness ensures a snug fit while still providing exceptional control and maneuverability. When it comes to this portable spreader, the chest mount will act as your personal assistant in order to reduce fatigue and allow you to spread for a longer period of time.

The clean, professional design is another thing that the company is really proud of when it comes to perks that make the chest-mount spreader stand out from the rest of the crowd.

 

Pros

Since this is operated from the front of the body, the fingertip levels allow the user to control the direction and volume of the spread, therefore increasing the efficiency of the process by quite a bit.

The gearbox-driven agitator is fully enclosed in order to improve the durability of the product and it is also corrosion-resistant so it should pass the test of time without any issues, acting as your agriculture buddy from season to season.

You’ll also notice the large opening that allows for easy cleaning and filling so you don’t have to struggle with these two stages of the process.

 

Cons

The spreader does not seem to work with all types of seeds so you may want to inform yourself beforehand in order to avoid having to return it.

While some fertilizer spreaders also offer the possibility of spreading ice melt in the winter, this one does not.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

9. Agri-Fab 85-Pound Push Broadcast Spreader

 

In a way, this is Agri-Fab’s sibling version of the pull behind fertilizer spreader that we have shown you earlier. If you’re the type of person who enjoys getting the job done himself or herself, this is definitely the product for you as all you need to do is suit up and start spreading your grass seed, fertilizer, or anything you want.

Another great thing is the fact that this is a device made for all seasons as you can definitely find a use for it. In the spring, you can apply fertilizer and herbicide as well as sweep up lawn debris to prevent mold from growing. In the summer, it’s great for grub control and regularly sweeping grass clipping.

The fall is obviously going to mean applying more fertilizer and herbicide as well as overseeding the bare areas that may be leftovers from spring. Winter is when your gear is going to require a little bit of maintenance found in the owner’s manual but you can also apply ice melt at will.

 

Pros

A very good broadcast spreader that will help you cultivate your lawn properly due to its wide range in which it distributes the fertilizer.

With a capacity of approximately 14,000 square feet for one load, this lawn fertilizer spreader will improve the duration of the process since you won’t have to stop and reload so often anymore. As a result, you will also be able to better determine the amount of product required for a specific area.

You also get a 3-year limited consumer warranty because the company has faith in the product and is willing to show that to any potential customer, especially since the whole thing is made in the United States of America.

 

Cons

The packaging system seems to be an issue as the parts are not protected enough and the whole assembly experience could use a manual or a guide to help people who are not DIY-aficionados get through it.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

10. Chapin International 8620B 150-Pound Tow Behind Spreader

 

The best fertilizer spreader will be classified as the one that best suits your needs and we have a feeling that this product from Chapin International might fill a lot of them. No more reaching back for levers, no more fumbling the control of the device in order to stop seed and fertilizers from spilling off, this is the only thing that you are going to need from now on.

Chapin’s state of the art dual impeller design was specifically created to allow the material to spread in a fashionable order when the vehicle and the spreader are in motion, saving time and effort on the owner’s part. As a result, you can say goodbye to burnt lawns, wasted product, and many long hours spent with frustratingly little progress.

Furthermore, this item is made in the United States of America so you can rest assured that what you see is what you get each and every single time.

 

Pros

This is a great tow-behind spreader that boasts a 150-pound capacity with one single fill so it should be more than enough to cut down on that dreaded refilling time.

The auto-stop dual impeller is also great because it stops spreading automatically when not in motion, saving you a lot of product in the long run.

You’ll also like the oil-impregnated bronze bearings that act as a buffer in order to minimize friction on the axle and gear box, increasing the durability of the entire product.

The 14” pneumatic tires will never let you down, regardless of the roughness of the terrain that you have to go through.

 

Cons

The housing could be a little sturdier as it is made of plastic and seems to be prone to breaking if you’ve used it for a while.

Compared to other similar units, this one does not come pre-assembled so you will have to do it yourself.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

An expert’s opinion when it comes to the best fertilizer spreader review is obviously an important factor to take into consideration but what we think is that, before anything else, you would benefit more from knowing why exactly is it that such a device is imperative in order to achieve the highest degree of success when it comes to gardening.

A fertilizer is among the greatest pieces of equipment a gardener can possibly have because a well-made, strong, and efficient one will spare you hours and hours of manual work without mentioning the amount of product that you will save by spreading it in an organized, efficient manner.

While some people would argue that it’s nothing more than a glorified wheelbarrow, we advise such skeptics to try one out for themselves. While, indeed, you can definitely move things from one location to another by using this farm tool, a fertilizer drop spreader is best used for, you guessed it, quickly and comfortably spreading anything you might need in your garden.

If you don’t want to perform the task of sharing the nutritive supplements with your garden by hand or spending an outrageous amount of money so that a professional can do it for you, you’ll see that such a device is perfect for your needs. In the right environment, even a cheap fertilizer spreader can get the job done without any issues but you have to know what you’re looking for.

There’s no secret that a healthy garden or lawn requires constant upkeep in order to make sure your plants always look their best and brightest. If you need help managing all the things that you have to do in regards to this, here’s why a drop fertilizer spreader can definitely come in handy.

It saves time

These items can be adjusted so that they allow you to precisely apply product at a rate of your choice so that you don’t have to waste time, effort, and money struggling to do it by hand. No more calculations or monitoring application rates since the technology behind it guarantees the same results are achieved with little effort on your part.

 

Even application

Anyone who’s ever tried to grow a harvest without utilizing a farm fertilizer spreader knows that it’s next to impossible to be able to apply the product evenly without the use of a product of this type. You’ll either experience patches of dry land due to under-application or, on the contrary, notice burn marks due to over-application.

Having a fertilizer spreader will make all these worries go away since the tool is purposely calibrated to ensure only even amounts get out of it.

 

Keep chemicals off your skin

At the end of the day, fertilizers are still chemical substances so why would you come in direct contact with one if you can avoid it? Using a spreader is the greatest way to maintain accurate coverage and not get sick without giving up on the quality that your garden definitely deserves in the process.

Many models for many needs

Since they’ve become all the rage these days, producers are offering varied options based on the customer’s needs. You should select your equipment based on the size of land you need to cover and whether you want a hand-held device or one that can be pulled with an ATV or something similar.

Since even the smallest fertilizer spreader can cover a lot of ground, this is why we tried to show the accurate distance for each of the products listed above. Doing this, you are not free to select one without worrying that it won’t be enough to cover your entire garden, lawn, or field.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q: How does a fertilizer spreader work?

Fertilizer spreaders use different strategies depending on their size and ability while at the end of the day going after the same objective: Spraying the substance of your choice on the area of your desire, without making you feel like you’ve lost time and money in the process.

If we’re talking about a hand-held one, the material is dropped into a hopper and the quickest flick of a button or a handle releases the product down into the ground. However, people with large areas of land need something even more productive so this is where the broadcast spreaders come along.

These tools are generally constructed from a tough and corrosion-proof material like polyurethane or stainless steel and as they are pushed along or dragged, gravity and motion pulls the material down and onto a spinning plate in such a way that it falls at an equal distance between the two wheels.

Q: How do you set a fertilizer spreader?

If they are to be able to deliver granular fertilizers and pesticides to your turf at a correct rate, spreaders will often need to be calibrated. While many of them come pre-calibrated from the get-go, we believe it’s important to know what you’re dealing with just so you can get it done if the need ever arises.

No matter the spreader type or model, the important thing to know is that each product has to be individually calibrated. Furthermore, you also have to take into account the products that you are going to be using because each of them varies in size, density, and so on. Due to this, manufacturers will often provide the recommended spreader setting on the labels.

Last but not least, the rate you desire is another important element, as you will have to choose the half-rate setting if you’re thinking about making two coverage passes when treating turf.

 

Q: How are fertilizer spreaders useful?

Fertilizer spreaders are useful because they can take an action which would take you hours and hours of manual labor to do and get it done in a very short amount of time. Furthermore, and this isn’t really a debate anymore, spreaders also spread the product much more efficiently than we would be able to with just our own two hands.

Due to this, purchasing an item like this can save you money in the long run as long as you’re choosing a good product. When you apply product in a patterned fashion and in a specific area, it’s easy to know at all times where the fertilizer is going to land and where you should go next.

For larger areas of land, using a fertilizer spreader is even more imperative as riding an ATV or a tractor and dragging an automatic device is certainly faster and more efficient than just throwing the substance on the ground and praying it falls where it should.