Best Hand Held Spreaders Review & Buying Guide

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Lawn spreaders are categorized as either broadcast or drop spreaders depending with their spread techniques. If you have a small yard, you should consider buying a hand-held broadcast spreader. Hand held spreaders are lightweight and easy to use when applying different lawn products on your lawn. But what are the best hand held spreaders?

Shopping for the best hand held spreaders can become a daunting task due to the many varieties of spreaders available in the market.

That’s why we have spent many hours of research to bring you our list of the best hand held spreaders that you should consider buying. Selecting a quality hand held spreader makes your job exciting when spreading different lawn products.

Preview
Best Overall
Scotts Wizz Spreader for Grass Seed, Fertilizer, Salt and Ice Melt, Handheld Spreader Holds up to...
Best Value
Earthway Products 2750 Hand Crank Bag Seeder/Spreader, Red
Best Premium
SOLO Inc. Solo 421 20-Pound Capacity Portable Chest-mount Spreader with Comfortable Cross-shoulder...
Product Name
Scotts Wizz Spreader for Grass Seed, Fertilizer, Salt and Ice Melt, Handheld Spreader Holds up to...
Earthway Products 2750 Hand Crank Bag Seeder/Spreader, Red
SOLO Inc. Solo 421 20-Pound Capacity Portable Chest-mount Spreader with Comfortable Cross-shoulder...
Features
Edge-guard technology Large copper capacity Hand-lock technology Battery-powered
20 lbs. hopper capacity Contoured molded base Adjustable shoulder strap
20-Pound hopper capacity Adjustable shoulder strap Fingertip levers control direction and volume
Best Overall
Preview
Scotts Wizz Spreader for Grass Seed, Fertilizer, Salt and Ice Melt, Handheld Spreader Holds up to...
Product Name
Scotts Wizz Spreader for Grass Seed, Fertilizer, Salt and Ice Melt, Handheld Spreader Holds up to...
Features
Edge-guard technology Large copper capacity Hand-lock technology Battery-powered
Best Value
Preview
Earthway Products 2750 Hand Crank Bag Seeder/Spreader, Red
Product Name
Earthway Products 2750 Hand Crank Bag Seeder/Spreader, Red
Features
20 lbs. hopper capacity Contoured molded base Adjustable shoulder strap
Best Premium
Preview
SOLO Inc. Solo 421 20-Pound Capacity Portable Chest-mount Spreader with Comfortable Cross-shoulder...
Product Name
SOLO Inc. Solo 421 20-Pound Capacity Portable Chest-mount Spreader with Comfortable Cross-shoulder...
Features
20-Pound hopper capacity Adjustable shoulder strap Fingertip levers control direction and volume

Last update on 2024-11-19 at 21:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Hand held Spreader Reviews

 Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader

Sale
Scotts Wizz Spreader for Grass Seed, Fertilizer, Salt and Ice Melt, Handheld Spreader Holds up to...
6,116 Reviews
Scotts Wizz Spreader for Grass Seed, Fertilizer, Salt and Ice Melt, Handheld Spreader Holds up to...
  • Battery-powered spreader you can use year round—designed to spread grass seed, lawn fertilizer and weed control products
  • Designed to cover up to 2,500 sq. ft. using Scotts lawn care product
  • 5-foot broadcast with control of EdgeGuard Technology
  • Our most advanced spreader yet, powered by 4 AA batteries with 23 settings for unbeatable accuracy
  • Perfect for lawn seed, fertilizer and weed control products

Last update on 2024-11-19 at 21:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Our top choice for the best hand held spreaders is Scotts Wizz Hand-held spreader. It’s one of the best-selling hand held spreaders on the market today.

It’s a battery powered spreader which feature Scotts exclusive Edge Guard plus handy-lock technologies.

It’s perfect for use on small yards and you can use it all-year-long to spread either seeds, fertilizer, melt or weed.

When using this hand held spreader, you will make minimal refills due to its reasonable hopper capacity which can hold up to 2,500 square feet of lawn products.

With a spread width pattern of 5. Feet, you are assured of faster and accurate spreading thus saving time for other activities.

Key features of Scotts Wizz hand-held spreader include; 

  • Edge-guard technology
  • Large copper capacity
  • Battery-powered
  • Hand-lock technology

Pros;

  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Durable
  • Multiple Applications
  • High spread accuracy for an even spread pattern

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON



Related; Factor to consider when buying a lawn spreader


Earthway 2750 Handheld Spreader with a bag -20 Pounds

Earthway Products 2750 Hand Crank Bag Seeder/Spreader, Red
802 Reviews
Earthway Products 2750 Hand Crank Bag Seeder/Spreader, Red
  • Seed spreader designed to make it easy to spread grass, seed, and even fertilizer
  • Durable design will resist tearing and rotting
  • Perfect for fine grass seed, ice melt, and sand fertilizer
  • Equipped with an ergonomic upper handle for easy control
  • Maximum capacity of 20 pounds

Last update on 2024-11-20 at 05:59 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

With a 20 lbs. hopper capacity Earthway 2750 Handheld Spreader is also a great choice that can redefine your Lawn spreading tasks.

It’s lightweight and comes with adjustable shoulder strap to make it easier for the operator to use it. It can be used to spread grass seeds, fertilizer, melt or other lawn products.

A contoured molded base helps to make it more sturdy and stable. The smooth operation of this hand held spreader makes it possible to achieve a uniformed spread pattern for better results.

Key features of this best hand held spreader include;

  • 20 lbs. hopper capacity
  • Contoured molded base for stability
  • An adjustable shoulder strap for user convenience

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON


Solo 421 20-Pound Capacity Portable Chest-Mount Spreader

Sale
SOLO Inc. Solo 421 20-Pound Capacity Portable Chest-mount Spreader with Comfortable Cross-shoulder...
908 Reviews
SOLO Inc. Solo 421 20-Pound Capacity Portable Chest-mount Spreader with Comfortable Cross-shoulder...
  • Fingertip levers control direction and volume
  • Large opening allows easy filling and cleaning
  • 20 lbs Capacity hopper with cap protects operator from chemicals and Dust
  • Manufacturer: SOLO

Last update on 2024-11-20 at 12:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This chest mount spreader is one of the best hand held spreaders that is ideal for small yards. It comes fitted with an adjustable shoulder strap for convenience and reduced fatigue.

The 20-Pound hopper capacity is big enough to hold a good amount of lawn products and the fingertip levers control the direction and volume of spread. The large opening creates room for easy filling and cleaning.

This spreader is built to last and the enclosed gearbox with agitator protects the machine from external elements.

It works perfectly with accurate spread and it’s among the best hand held spreaders that gardeners with small lawns should consider when shopping for the ideal hand held spreaders.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON


Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader- best hand held spreaders

Last update on 2024-09-16 at 17:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This rustproof hand held spreader from Scotts is also another great choice for small yards. It comes fully assembled to save you time. You just fill and go.

With a hopper capacity of up to 1,500 square feet, it gives you enough space to cover a wider area with just a single fill.

It’s also accurate and can be used to spread grass, fertilizer or melt. The ergonomic design gives it a stylish look while at the same time helping in reducing hand fatigue.

Key features of this hand held fertilizer spreader include;

  • Compact and sturdy
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Fully assembled and ready to use
  • 1,500 square feet hopper capacity

Pros;

  • Rustproof which makes it more durable
  • Ergonomic design to reduce hand fatigue
  • Affordable

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON


Chapin 84700A 25-Pound Professional Bag Seeder- best hand held spreaders

Sale
Chapin 84700A 25-Pound Professional Handheld Bag Seed spreader with Waterproof Bag, Enclosed Gears,...
280 Reviews
Chapin 84700A 25-Pound Professional Handheld Bag Seed spreader with Waterproof Bag, Enclosed Gears,...
  • 25-POUND CAPACITY BAG: waterproof, heavy-duty with a zipper, your preferred seed or fertilizer will be safe from rain and wind while you’re working; and an enclosed gear system also protected from the elements
  • FITS IN SMALLER SPACES: small areas and hard to reach places are perfect for the bag seeder; use it around walkways, gardens, food plots, smaller yards; wear it over your shoulder with the padded strap
  • MULTIPLE SPREAD OPTIONS: change your gate opening based on your material, spread seeds and fertilizers with simple gate adjustments; calibrate this seeder and adjust flow rate
  • REAR BAFFLE: keep product out of your pockets and hitting your legs with the stationary rear baffle
  • DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED IN THE USA: designed by Chapin engineers in Batavia, NY and backed by Chapin’s 2-year limited warranty

Last update on 2024-11-20 at 12:56 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you want to seed your lawn or apply fertilizer, then this spreader is the another great choice for such tasks. It has been designed with 25-Pounds capacity to hold enough lawn products for your small yard.

this best fertilizer spreader is fitted with rear baffle to prevent the seeds from filling your pockets. The enclosed gearbox provides protection from external elements.

The adjustable shoulder strap provides convenience when spreading and the calibrated flow-rate adjuster with on/off control makes it easy to use this broadcast hand held spreader.

Key features include;

  • 25-Pound capacity
  • Heavy duty waterproof bag
  • Calibrated flow-rate adjuster
  • Rear baffle and enclosed gearbox
  • Adjustable shoulder strap for convenience

Pros;

  • Lightweight
  • Convenient and easy to use
  • Compatible with variety of grass seeds and granular fertilizer

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON


Plantmates 76300 25-Capacity Broadcast Spreader with Canvas Bag

Plantmates 76300 25-Capacity Broadcast Spreader With Canvas Bag
29 Reviews
Plantmates 76300 25-Capacity Broadcast Spreader With Canvas Bag
  • Spreader
  • Sturdy zip top canvas bag
  • Calibrated flow rate adjuster
  • Adjustable shoulder strap
  • Sturdy manmade fiber strap

Last update on 2024-11-19 at 21:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Some of the outstanding features that we like with this best hand held spreader include;

  • Calibrated rate-flow adjuster
  • Adjustable shoulder strap for convenience
  • Sturdy zip top canvas bag

With 25-Pound hopper capacity, you can count on it to spread a wider coverage with just a single fill.  It’s one of the best hand held spreaders for beginners. You can use this spreader for multiple applications.

It works great and the materials used to construct are solid and durable.

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON


Yard Tuff YTF-25SS Shoulder Spreader-25-Pound Capacity

Yard Tuff Outdoor Lawn Garden 25 Pounds Shoulder Seeder and Grass Seed Spreader with Canvas Bag and...
485 Reviews
Yard Tuff Outdoor Lawn Garden 25 Pounds Shoulder Seeder and Grass Seed Spreader with Canvas Bag and...
  • Lightweight, 3-pound Yard Tuff shoulder spreader effortlessly features a 25-pound capacity for your grass seeds, and more, making spreading tasks a breeze
  • Constructed of all-metal gears and a tough canvas bag with zipper and adjustable shoulder strap, this spreader ensures long-term durability and maximum convenience
  • Features a calibrated flow rate adjuster that fits various needs, from spreading compost soil to grass seed, ensuring precise and efficient application every time
  • Spreader compatible with small granular grains, grass seed, and more, simplifying outdoor maintenance tasks for a variety of applications, a go-to tool for gardeners and homeowners
  • Built for a quick and simple assembly process, enabling you to be up and running in no time to tackle your outdoor projects effortlessly with seeder equipment

Last update on 2024-11-20 at 06:06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

One of the outstanding feature that we like with this Yard Tuff hand held spreader is the all metal gears which shows durability.

With a 25-pound capacity, you are assured of wide spread coverage with just a single fill. It’s also lightweight thus, making it ideal for shoulder fitting for more convenience.

The calibrated flow rate adjuster enables the user to easily control the spread volume. It comes pre-assembled but with easy to follow assembling instructions.

This hand held fertilizer spreader can be used for multiple lawn applications and comes with 1 year warranty from the manufacturer.

Cons;

  • Ergonomic design need fine tuning for more user convenience

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON


 Precision Products HHBS-125 Handheld Broadcast Spreader

Precision Products HHBS-125-XX HHBS-125 Handheld Broadcast Spreader
104 Reviews
Precision Products HHBS-125-XX HHBS-125 Handheld Broadcast Spreader
  • Handheld broadcast spreader ideal for small lawns, hills, uneven ground or wet terrain
  • Scoop for easy filling and pouring of material; easy to operate with ergonomic hand grip and finger tip slide control
  • Heavy duty plastic body but light weight for easy handling
  • Hold 6-pound pelletized material or 3-pound grass seed
  • Spread pattern of 6' to 12'

Last update on 2024-11-20 at 02:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Precision Products is a reputable brand and this hand held spreader is designed with precision and the user in mind so as to come up with a great spreader that is ideal for small yards.

It’s easy to operate thanks to the large hand grip plus the fingertip slide control that makes the spreading work easier and exciting.

It can hold up to 6-Pound of pelletized lawn materials or 3-Pound of grass seed.

With a spread pattern of 6-12 feet, you will cover a large area within a short period of time.

It’s made of high quality plastic materials to ensure durability.

Key features include;

  • 6-lbs of pelletized and 3-lbs of grass seed capacity
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to operate even for starters

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON


How to Choose the Best Hand Held Spreaders

When shopping for a lawn spreader, it’s important to look for something that will give you value for your money.

There are certain key factors that you need to consider when buying a given hand held spreader which include;

  • Lawn size

What is the size of your lawn where you are intending to use the handheld spreader?

Ascertaining your lawn size will help you pick a handheld spreader with the most ideal hopper capacity that will enable you spread your lawn product within the shortest time possible.

  • Hopper capacity

Different models of handheld spreaders comes with varied hopper size/capacity.

You need to factor in the size of your lawn to determine which size of hopper capacity is ideal for you.

Small hopper capacity requires frequent refill which can be time consuming.

  • Ease of use

The best hand held spreader should be the one that is easy to use even for the starter. Here, you need to pay attention to features and added accessories to your preferred spreader.

Does it have edge-guard and hand lock technology? Can you control the spread rate and width? Such considerations will help you get the perfect hand held fertilizer spreader.

  • Versatility

The materials used to construct the lawn spreader is also very crucial.

It goes a long way in determining its’ durability.

The best hand held spreader should be made of rustproof and waterproof materials.

An ergonomic design is also essential as it helps in preventing hand fatigue when spreading.

  • Pricing

Most of the handled spreaders are fairly priced thus, making them more affordable.

Price varies depending with the size, materials used, technology and models.

With proper research you can get a good quality handheld lawn spreader without breaking the bank.

  • Spreading Pattern

There are spreaders which cannot provide a uniformed spread of your lawn product in your desired lawn area.

Therefore, it’s good to assess the genuine reviews of a given hand held spreader from users in order to understand how it actually works before committing your cash on it.

Uneven spreading pattern results to empty patches on your lawn which will in-turn demand frequent repeats and it is time consuming.


Best Handheld Spreaders FAQs

As a buyer, there are key fundamental questions that you might ask yourself before you can make a decision on the best hand held spreader that suits your need.

In this section, we are going to look at common asked questions regarding the hand held spreaders.

  1. What Is A Hand Held Spreader?

    A hand held spreader is a gardening equipment that is used to spread various lawn products such as fertilizer, manure, seeds and ice-melt on the lawn especially on small areas which are not easily accessible. Hand held broadcast spreaders are faster and they get the job done in a shorter period of time compared to using manual traditional methods.

  2. Should I Go For An Electric Or Manual Operated Hand Spreader?

    Handheld spreaders are either manually operated or battery-powered. A manual hand held spreader is a bit inexpensive but it will require more skills to operate it. A battery-operated handheld seed spreader is easy to use because the user can configure them to a controlled spread flow rate and width. They are able to produce more accurate and even spread.

  3. What Are The Benefits Of Buying The Best Hand Held Spreader?

    Hand held lawn spreaders are used for many applications around the farm. As a gardener, owning a handheld spreader will enable your apply fertilizer, manure, and spread seed on your lawn much faster compared to doing it manually.

    If you want to reseed a small section of your lawn, it will make sense to use a hand held spreader which is easier to operate than going for big broadcast lawn spreaders. It also requires very small storage area therefore, you will not get stressed getting an extra storage area.


SaleBestseller No. 1
Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader for Seed, Fertilizer, Salt, Ice Melt, Handheld Spreader Holds up...
8,246 Reviews
Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader for Seed, Fertilizer, Salt, Ice Melt, Handheld Spreader Holds up...
  • Perfect hand-held spreader for small yards
  • Great for year-round use to weed, seed, fertilize, salt and ice melt
  • Engineered for smooth, even coverage
  • Adjustable arm support helps provide maximum comfort
  • Holds up to 1,500 sq ft of Scotts lawn products
SaleBestseller No. 2
Scotts Wizz Spreader for Grass Seed, Fertilizer, Salt and Ice Melt, Handheld Spreader Holds up to...
6,116 Reviews
Scotts Wizz Spreader for Grass Seed, Fertilizer, Salt and Ice Melt, Handheld Spreader Holds up to...
  • Battery-powered spreader you can use year round—designed to spread grass seed, lawn fertilizer and weed control products
  • Designed to cover up to 2,500 sq. ft. using Scotts lawn care product
  • 5-foot broadcast with control of EdgeGuard Technology
  • Our most advanced spreader yet, powered by 4 AA batteries with 23 settings for unbeatable accuracy
  • Perfect for lawn seed, fertilizer and weed control products
SaleBestseller No. 3
Handheld Spreader (2 Liters) Adjustable Dial Multi-Purpose Hand Spreader For Use As A Salt Spreader...
409 Reviews
Handheld Spreader (2 Liters) Adjustable Dial Multi-Purpose Hand Spreader For Use As A Salt Spreader...
  • 2-LITTER HANDHELD SEED AND SALT SPREADER: This green plastic shaker with its wide mouth, easy-fill shovel, adjustable dial, and ideal handle is ideal for melting ice on yards and driveways as well as spot seeding to patch up pesky week marks.
  • ADJUSTABLE DIAL OPENING: Adjust the lid to meet your specific needs and to control the flow rate. Use the large holes to dispense coarse salt, the medium for ice melt, fertilizer, or animal food, and small to spread grass seed or diatomaceous earth.
  • LARGE CAPACITY: 2 liters is ample to salt or seed up to 500 square feet, perfect for spot seeding. Please note that this is a spot spreader manual tool; salting or seeding an entire lawn can be tiring and result in inconsistencies.
  • ALL-SEASON WEATHERPROOF: The green plastic body is weatherproof yet lightweight. The tightly sealing lid protects your salt from clumping in the frost and your seeds from sprouting in the humidity.
  • MULTIFUNCTIONAL: A universal tool for a multitude of gardening tasks. Perfect for spreading salt, ice melt, grass seeds, fertilizer, weed killer, animal feed, and earth food in gardens, walkways, farmland, and backyards.
Bestseller No. 5
OETEX Ergonomic Seed Spreader 2L Handheld Shake Dispenser for Seed Grass and Garden, Garden Spreader...
  • Use of Ergonomics - Using ergonomically designed handles, the spacious handle design provides a comfortable experience for uniform garden spreading work.
  • Convenient Operation - It can be unscrewed the cover easily, you can fill the garden spreader, screw on the cover again, and then use it in any scene as you like.
  • Multi-purpose Spreader - This manual seeder has three different sizes and shapes of openings, which can meet all types of seeding needs, such as fertilizer spreaders, snow salt spreaders or manual spreaders. The large capacity of 2L can greatly extend the use time.
  • Adjustable Perforated Dial - Free to select the size of the hole on the dial. The large one is suitable for large particles such as coarse salt, the medium one for fertilizer, and the small one for seeds. It is very convenient to adjust the flow rate by covering and uncovering some holes.
  • High-quality Materials - The whole planter is made of durable and tough material, which makes the spreader having waterproof and damage-proof abilities. Prevent the salt from clumping in the frost and prevent the seeds from germinating in a humid environment.

Last update on 2022-09-20 at 11:21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

Maintaining a lush green and healthy lawn should never be a daunting task. Every time you need to spread lawn products such as fertilizer or seeds in a small or inaccessible areas, a hand held spreader is the right tool to go for.

We believe our buying guide on the best hand held spreaders will help you understand the various types of handheld spreaders available in the market and help you in making the right buying decision.

4.9/5 - (11 votes)
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