The 10 Best Hand Held Spreaders – [Reviews & Rankings]

A handheld spreader, also known as a hand held seed spreader, is a hand held device used to easily spread seeds. The best handheld spreader will feature smooth operation, have a 25lb seed capacity, and will be comfortable to operate.

Handheld spreaders provide several key advantages. They give uniform coverage, and with a little walking, seeds can be dispersed over a large area.

A handheld spreader and a good walking pattern can prevent a lawn from becoming patchy. These devices make seeding your lawn or garden easier and provide more uniform coverage compared to tossing seeds into your yard by hand (Source).

Handheld spreaders are simple to use. All you have to do is fill it up, and walk around the area you want to seed while cranking the handle. Some models feature an electric motor and can distribute seeds automatically, as you casually walk through your yard (Source).

There are several things to consider when looking for the right hand-held spreader. Before you buy one, you should consider its weight, its seed capacity, and whether or not it has an electric motor, for fast and uniform seed delivery.

In this article, we will examine all the top-rated handheld spreaders. All of the seed spreaders in this review will help you easily and consistently disperse seeds, whether you’re a homeowner who wants to make their lawn look great, or landscaper working on a customer’s yard.

What Is A Handheld Spreader?

A handheld spreader is a portable and ergonomic hopper with a grip, lever, crank, and an impeller attached to a rotor handle for distributing fertilizer manually. These hand-gripped devices are lightweight to carry around, spreading compost in small lawns and gardens.

Handheld spreaders are also great for you if you want to spread quality compost and other fertilizers in hard-to-reach places around your garden. For instance, you have a roof-top garden that needs nourishment.

A tow-behind spreader, along with a garden tractor, might not be a convenient option in such a case. For compact areas, a handheld spreader does the job quite efficiently. However, it does not mean that this tool cannot be used in an exterior lawn, garden, or even a crop field.

The hopper might be smaller in size, but it is still useful for distributing nutritious material throughout the fields without any issues.

Comparing The Best Hand Held Spreaders

1. Earthway 2750 Hand Held Spreader – Most User-Friendly

Earthway 2750 spreader features a simple mechanism that guarantees even dispersion of seeds. It is compact in nature and can perform various seeding tasks. In addition, this product is ergonomically designed to ensure it comfortable to wear when operating it.

Earthway 2750 spreader comes with an advanced gearbox that ensures uniform dispersion of seeds. The seeds from the spreader are dispersed in smooth feathered edges for even distribution. This unit also features an oscillation shut-off plate that provides more control in seed flow and minimizes mechanical clumping.

This hand held spreader is the ideal size for anyone wanting to maintain a well-manicured lawn. It comes with a red zippered bag that can hold up to 25 pounds of seeds. An adjustable shoulder strap is included to ensure comfort while operating the device.

2. Precision Products Hand Held Spreader – Most Compact Handheld Spreader

This handheld spreader from Precision Products is compact but has one of the best seed dispersal pattern. It is crafted from durable material and is ergonomically designed for easy gripping and handling. Precision Products Hand Held spreader is also one of the lightweight spreaders of the five we are reviewing.

Precision Products hand held spreader comes with an inbuilt scoop for easy refills and spreading of seeds or fertilizer. A large handle is attached to the hopper to hold the spreader firmly and give you more control while working. In addition, the hopper is crafted from heavy-duty plastic to make it tough and durable.

This unit can hold 6-pound pellet fertilizer or 3-pound grass seeds in one spreading. An inbuilt hand crank gear spreads fertilizer or salt melt to a distance of 6 to 12 feet. One can also adjust the spread pattern of this unit to have more control while working.

For those looking for an inexpensive spreader that operates manually, this unit from Precision Products is a great pick. It a multipurpose spreader that has been voted to be quick and convenient wherever it is used.

3. Yard Tuff 25-pound Spreader – Most Ergonomic Handheld Spreader

Yard Tuff 25-pound spreader is compact in size but can carry a large amount of seed or fertilizer. It is designed with strong materials to make it durable and also easy to operate. This unit is also adjustable for added comfort during spreading.

Yard Tuff spreader has a metallic gear that makes it durable and easy to operate. The seed/fertilizer bag is designed from tough canvas to make it long lasting as well. This bag can hold up to 25 lbs. of spread and will still feel lightweight when carrying the spreader.

An adjustable shoulder strap is included to ensure comfort during operating. It is possible to adjust the flow rates of the spreader to suit your various needs. Assembling this unit is easy given the user manual provided. In addition, Yard Tuff provides a Spread Chart that helps you calculate how much spread will be convenient to keep your lawn or garden flourishing.

4. Scotts Wizz Hand Held Spreader – Best Automatic Handheld Spreader

Scotts Wizz hand-held spreader takes away the tedious work of manually working your spreader. As a premium battery-powered spreader, it comes with several settings that help you adjust the unit for accuracy. This is also one of the few spreaders that work fast on a large area.

Scotts Wizz hand held spreader is powered by 4 AA batteries. This gives it enough power to broadcast spread at a distance of 5 feet. This unit also features an automatic spreading mechanism that can broadcast spread on an area as large as 2,500.

Scotts Wizz spreader takes away the tediousness of having to manually crank a handle to broadcast spread. It also features Edge Guard technology that keeps the spread from falling on unwanted areas. Another important feature is the inbuilt Handy Lock technology that maintains your adjusted settings for a uniform work.

This unit comes with 23 unique settings to vary the distance and intensity of spread. It is ideal if you are feeding fertilizer to a lawn, preparing a field for warming, spreading weed killers on plants, or melting ice in winter.

5. Scotts Easy Broadcast Hand Held Spreader – Best Manual Spreader For Large Areas

If you need to cover large areas, Scotts easy hand held spreader is ideal for small to fairly large lawns. It features an ergonomic design that reduces write fatigue allowing you to work faster. This product is also designed with quality material to make it durable.

Scotts Easy broadcast spreader is has the grip and crank handle close to each other. This ergonomic design ensures you do not experience wrist fatigue when working. Scott’s easy spreader also features an all green look with orange accents for the crank handle and the inbuilt adjustment lever.

The provided adjustment lever allows you to vary the speed and distance of spreading. This gives you more control when working a small or large area with the spreader. The main hopper is designed with rust proof material for durability and also allows you to work with both wet and dry spread. Scotts easy hand held spreader can hold a large amount of spread per broadcast session, which reduces refill time.

Likewise, If you are worried about the season’s turn and leaves cluttering in your yard or garden. We highly recommend buying a backpack leaf blower that keeps your garden clean.

6. Chapin 84150A Handheld Spreader –  High-Quality Spreader

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The Chapin 84150A is a high-quality, robust handheld spreader that uses a manual crank-based rotary movement for broadcasting fertilizer. With its red sturdy body, it is great for small gardens that need a quick nutritional revamping.

Even the material used is lightweight so that you can easily carry it with one hand to do the needful. The hopper offers a capacity of 5 liters to ensure decent productivity while spreading the granular manure.

The 84150A gives you the versatility to spread most types of seeds without the need of switching between its lever settings that often.

7. Solo 421 Portable Handheld Spreader – Highly-Efficient

The Solo 421 feels like a hot air balloon, but its queer design makes it one of the most efficient handheld spreaders out there. The adjustable strap for shoulders makes it easier to carry this large equipment while spreading fertilizer and seeds.

The large size also gives it a capacity of handling 20 lbs of material, which is quite ideal for small lawns without losing control of the direction or the volume of the granular material. Furthermore, you can rely no its accuracy with the high-end spread direction lever feature.

It has been provided with large holes in the hopper, which makes it easy to fill and clean it up. No doubt, the Solo 421 is a durable equipment that gives you a secure operation for spreading your desired compost throughout the garden efficiently.

8. Chapin 84700A Spreader – Best For Professionals

The Chapin 84700A is a great tool if you want to experience professional standards while broadcasting seeds and fertilizers around small lawns. It can give you the convenience of storing up to 25 lbs of spread without any issues.

It even has a protective baffle in the rear of the impeller dish, which ensures that the spread does not come in contact with you while you distribute it through the field. To ensure high-end protection, the gearbox helps keep it safe from external factors.

Chapin has also added a shoulder strap for this large model so that it is convenient for you to use throughout your garden. Additionally, you get a control lever to adjust the flow of the spread as you broadcast it.

9. Plantmates 76300 Broadcast Handheld Spreader – Most Controllable

The 76300 by Plantmates is a powerful handheld broadcast spreader that will give you controlled flow for the spread. That makes it easier for you to target specific areas on your lawn without worrying about wasting the fertilizer.

Additionally, this unit comes with a canvas bag to keep the spread safe from harsh weather while using it or just keeping it in the open. This canvas bag has a zipper that you can easily open or close at will.

With 25 lbs of capacity, it is ideal for using in small gardens to get the work done faster. For further convenience, you also get a shoulder strap with it.

10. Yard Tuff YTF-25SS Handheld Spreader – Most Durable

This spreader might feel quite similar to Plantmates 76300 model, but its durability is much more impressive than the latter. It also offer a capacity of 25 lbs., which makes it suitable for covering more area efficiently.

Additionally, it features a lightweight design that you can strap over your shoulder comfortably for prolonged usage without getting tired. The flow-adjuster on this device is conveniently placed to give you easy access while broadcasting the spread.

Why Do You Need A Handheld Spreader?

Handheld spreaders are multipurpose garden tools that will give you the flexibility of distributing seeds, compost, and other granular forms of fertilizer. With its help, you can easily distribute such materials around the lawn, farm, etc.

It is a better option for a gardener to use this handheld device, rather than doing it manually. Furthermore, the tool saves a lot of time while handling granular manure.

Additionally, small areas in your lawn, that need to be reseeded, can be conveniently accomplished through such garden tools. Unlike handheld spreaders, a large broadcast spreader for your lawn will not only be a bulky option but also limit precision.

Handheld spreaders are also quite portable to carry around while serving their purpose. Not to mention, their small size makes them easy to store in your garden shed without worrying about space issues.

Needless to say, they are much cheaper compared to their tow-behind counterparts. Last, but not the least, you can be assured of high durability with the help of these units.

How Do You Use A Handheld Spreader?

Using a handheld spreader is quite easy. For using it, you need to first add manure, compost, or fertilizer in the hopper of this tool. After that, you need to hold the device firmly in your hand with the help of the handle.

Some handheld spreaders have a supporting base connected to the handle. This base supports your arm to let you balance the tool without tiring your hands. Others might not have this feature, but overall the lightweight spreader is easy to carry around.

To broadcast the fertilizer through the spreader, you need to rotate the crank attached at the side of the hopper with the other hand. Keep moving while you do this to spread the compost evenly over the targeted area.

If you have a battery-operated handheld spreader, then just turn on the power button to repeat the same method of spreading the fertilizer.

Which One Should You Consider – Automatic or Manual Handheld Spreader?

It is totally up to you. Surely, a battery-operated or automatic handheld spreader is going to give you the comfort of distributing fertilizers without the need of using the other hand. However, automatic ones will require you to keep track of the juice left in them to power the unit.

Furthermore, battery-operated ones have been known to get clogged much frequently than manual ones. On the other hand, using manual handheld spreaders give you more control while spreading the fertilizer or seeds in the field.

It does require your other hand to keep rotating the crank, but that also gives you the flexibility of adjusting the speed of the spreader. It can be a plus point if you need to distribute more fertilizer in a particular area around the lawn where you have a damaged turf.

How to Buy the Best Hand Held Spreader

Buying a handheld spreader can be daunting if you are running a gardening project for the first time. The market is proliferated with various brands with each promising the best results. Nevertheless, you can buy the best handheld fertilizer spreader if you know what you are looking for.

Here is what you should consider when comparing hand-held spreaders.

• Size of the Spreader

The size of your spreader depends on how big your lawn or garden is. Consider a smaller spreader if you will be working on a small area that does not require much fertilizer or seed dispersion. On the other hand, there are large spreaders that can comfortably work in an area of 2,500 sq.

• Manual or Electric

Handheld spreaders are either manually or electrically operated. Manually operated spreaders are a bit hands-on and give you more control over the tool. However, they also require a bit of skill to ensure the spreading is even in the working area.

Electric handheld spreaders are battery operated and can be configured to produce desired results. This unit tends to spread fertilizer or seed uniformly since they maintain the same settings as they work.

• Durability

The best hand held spreader will last you years before the next replacement. This means it should be crafted using quality materials that are strong and can withstand any weather condition. In addition, handheld spreaders made from strong materials can withstand the impacts from the constant knocking or dropping the tool while working.

• Pricing

Most handheld spreaders are inexpensive to buy. On the other hand, you also get your money’s worth when comparing spreaders. The more features the spreader has, the more you are likely to pay for it. Therefore, evaluate your gardening needs first to help determine your final budget for a spreader

• Fertilizer/ Seed Capacity

How much seed or fertilizer do you want the spreader to disperse at any given time? You want to get a handheld spreader that packs enough seeds/ fertilizer to avoid the hassle of having to fill the hopper each time you run out.

Check the hopper size of the spreader you want to buy. It should be able to tell you how much can be dispersed before the next refill.

• Evenness of Spreading

A handheld spreader that uniformly disperses seed or fertilizer ensures your garden or lawn is properly nourished. Avoid spreaders that have uneven spreads as this can create burnt spots on your lawn or field especially with fertilizer. It can help you read several reviews about a particular spreader before you consider purchasing it.

Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Spreader

With proper maintenance, it is possible for your hand held spreader to last you for years. Also, ensure that you are using your spreader as required to prevent it from becoming faulty. There are simple steps to ensure your spreader will always work in prime condition.

First, fill the hopper to the required area as indicated in your manual. This ensures that there are no spills or misapplication of fertilizer or feed. The right amount of seed or feed in the hopper also prevents you from making a mess in your garden.

Broadcast the seed or feed in a criss-cross manner for uniformity on your entire garden. In addition, always dial down your settings by half after each application. This ensures that you do not over spreader fertilizer or seed and destroy your lawn or garden project.

Always clean your handheld spreader after each application. It helps in getting rid of any residue stuck on the blades or hopper. In addition, regular cleaning ensures your garden always receives quality feed or seed. 

Ready To Buy The Best Hand Held Spreader?

Buying the best hand held spreader can ensure that you always have a uniform healthy lawn/garden. With a market proliferated with different brands, it can get confusing finding the right hand held spreader for your garden.

Nevertheless, having an idea of what you are looking for can help narrow down the search. Consider a handheld spreader with the capacity to hold a large area without frequently refilling the hopper. For the hands-on person, a manual spreader is an affordable way to maintain a healthy lawn on a budget.

If you have extra money to spend, an electric hand held spreader gives more control and uniformity when spreading feed or seed. If you want to irrigate your lawn and garden, consider buying the best lawn sprinkler heads . Especially in the dry summer months, regular watering is key to keep the grass growing.

If you want to drip water directly to the plant roots, consider buying the best soaker hoses.