Small open lawn
You want a stated fan on a lawn of up to about 100 m², and you will refill a small hopper rather than push a wheeled spreader. The listing states about 1–4 m, four steps, and a thumb shut-off.
Hand spreader comparison 2026
The best hand spreaders, compared.
Top pick: Fiskars Solid spreader Best value: Fiskars Solid spreader – Best value at about £12.20: value block 10, 4.6 from 1,040 reviews, and about 280 g. Updated October 2026.
A hand spreader is a carried tool that meters dry granules: grass seed, lawn fertiliser, weed-and-feed, sand, or winter salt. A holed jug pours where you tip it. A crank disc throws a fan that is heavier in the middle, so you overlap each pass and close the gate when you turn. Judge a listing by a stated spread width, a real off position, and whether UK reviews say the lid stays on and the holes match the granule. The jugs state a hopper volume and leave the width blank. The checks for mechanism and coverage sit in the [hand spreader buying guide](/hub/garden-tools/hand-spreader/sub/hand-spreader-buying-guide). One is the cordless fan, sold without the 18 V battery the bullets name.
A hand spreader is a carried tool that meters dry granules: grass seed, lawn fertiliser, weed-and-feed, sand, or winter salt. A holed jug pours where you tip it.
28 products checked · 62 hrs invested · +24,100 readers
8 of 8: Best hand spreaders compared
Swipe for more
1-2 of 8Best overall
8.8/10
8.9/10
7.3/10
3.5/10
7.3/10
7.0/10
5.8/10
4.6/10
∼ £12
∼ £32
∼ £18
∼ £40
∼ £16
∼ £16
∼ £14
∼ £18
4.6(1,040)
4.5(6,628)
4.5(84)
4.5(2)
4.4(68)
4.2(73)
4.2(11)
3.2(33)
Personal buying guide
Which hand spreader fits?
Question 1 of 2
Where will you use it?
The best hand spreaders in detail
Our view
The Fiskars Solid is a glass-fibre shaker, model 1057076, at £12.20 and about 280 g, with the bullet listing 286 g. You tip it rather than crank a disc, and the listing gives three modes: pour, fast flow, or slower flow, for sand, salt, fertiliser and seed. The page does not state a spread width in metres or a hopper volume in litres, and the length is 30 cm while a display-height field says 50 cm. amazon.co.uk shows 4.6 from 1,040 reviews, the highest star line in this set, though most written reviews in the raw sample are not British. A UK review says weed-and-feed must be bone dry or the holes clog. In this comparison it is the best value when you want a light jug for boxes, beds and a salt pot, and a weaker match if you need a measured fan on an open lawn.
Pros
- £12.20 with 4.6 from 1,040 amazon.co.uk ratings
- About 280 g, lighter than the 2.5 litre tubs
- Pour, fast, or slow on one shaker
- Named for salt, fertiliser, sand and seed
Cons
- No stated spread width or litre capacity
- A UK review says damp weed-and-feed clogs the holes
- Most written reviews in the sample are not from the UK
- Length 30 cm conflicts with a 50 cm display-height field
Best for: You want a light jug for boxes, beds and a short grit path.
Less suitable: You need a stated metre width on an open lawn.
Specifications
- Model
- Fiskars Solid spreader
- Brand
- Fiskars
- Price
- ∼£12
- Customer rating
- 4.6/5(1,040)
- Mechanism
- Shaker jug
- Flow control
- Pour, fast, slow
- Weight
- 280 g
- Material
- Glass fibre
- Named jobs
- Salt, feed, sand, seed
- In the box
- Spreader
Common questions
Is this a lawn crank or a hand shaker?
The listing describes a handheld shaker for sand, salt, fertiliser, and seed, with three modes: pour, fast flow, or slower flow. It is not a spinning disc.
How heavy is it?
The product-dimensions line says 280 g and the bullet says 286 g. Length is 30 cm. A separate display-height field says 50 cm, which conflicts with that length.
Will damp weed-and-feed pass through it?
A UK review says the granules need to be bone dry or the spreader clogs. The listing itself does not state a moisture limit.
Our view
The Gardena Hand-Held Spreader M is a plastic crank and disc, model 431-20, at £31.95 and 610 g. The amazon.co.uk listing and Gardena’s UK page put the fan at about 1–4 m for lawns of up to about 100 m², with quantity in four steps and a thumb shut-off so you can close the gate on a turn. One hopper is described as about 1.65 kg of fertiliser, 2.0 kg of salt and 1.0 kg of seed, while the volume field shows 1,800 ml. A UK review says their seed fill was about 400 g, so the kilogram bullets are not a guarantee of what fits. Across 4.5 from 6,628 ratings it is the largest public sample here, though some reviews on the ASIN describe other Gardena machines. A catalogue field mentions napkins, which the product bullet does not, and a UK review notes the right-hand crank can bother a left-handed user. In this comparison it is the top pick when you want a stated width on a small open lawn and you will pay £31.95.
Pros
- Stated spread of about 1–4 m and about 100 m²
- Four steps and a thumb shut-off
- 4.5 from 6,628 amazon.co.uk ratings
- Plastic body named for fertiliser, seed and salt
Cons
- £31.95, well above the shaker jugs
- One UK seed fill was about 400 g, against a 1.0 kg bullet
- Some reviews on the ASIN describe other Gardena machines
- Right-hand crank, and a catalogue line says napkins
Best for: You want a stated fan on an open lawn of up to about 100 m².
Less suitable: You only need pots, a short path, or a tool under about £18.
Specifications
- Model
- Gardena Hand-Held Spreader M
- Brand
- Gardena
- Price
- ∼£32
- Customer rating
- 4.5/5(6,628)
- Mechanism
- Crank and disc
- Capacity
- 1.8 l
- Spread width
- 1–4 m
- Flow control
- 4 steps, shut-off
- Weight
- 610 g
- Material
- Plastic
- Named jobs
- Fertiliser, seed, salt
- In the box
- Spreader
Common questions
What spread width does the listing state?
The title says a spreading width of 1–4 m for lawn areas of up to about 100 m². Quantity is set in four steps, with a thumb open/close.
How much seed does the hopper hold?
The bullets say about 1.0 kg of seed, 1.65 kg of fertiliser, and 2.0 kg of salt. A UK review says their seed fill was about 400 g. The listing also shows 1,800 ml and 610 g.
Is a scoop or battery included?
The bullet says one spreader. There is no battery. A catalogue line says napkins, which does not match the product bullet.
Our view
The STOWBERRY IN-354 is a 2.5 litre plastic dial shaker at £17.95 and 550 g, measuring 33.5 x 19 x 14 cm. amazon.co.uk shows 4.5 from 84 reviews, and UK reviews describe three flow options on the dial the listing calls adjustable. The bullets name seed, feed, fertiliser, salt and ice melt, and they do not state a width in metres. One UK review says the smaller holes do not really work, while other UK reviews say feed and seed spread once the dial is set. At 550 g it is the heaviest of the 2.5 litre jugs in this file, and the box does not include a scoop. It suits you if you want the stronger star line among the tubs and you will test the small holes on your own seed before you walk the lawn.
Pros
- 4.5 from 84 amazon.co.uk reviews
- Stated 2.5 litre hopper
- Adjustable dial, described as three flows in UK reviews
- Named for seed, feed, salt and ice melt
Cons
- £17.95, above the other 2.5 litre jugs
- No stated spread width
- One UK review says the smaller holes do not really work
- 550 g empty, and no scoop in the bullets
Best for: You want the strongest star line among the 2.5 litre shakers.
Less suitable: You rely on the smallest holes for fine seed, or you want a scoop in the box.
Specifications
- Model
- STOWBERRY 2.5 litre shaker
- Brand
- STOWBERRY
- Price
- ∼£18
- Customer rating
- 4.5/5(84)
- Mechanism
- Shaker jug
- Capacity
- 2.5 l
- Flow control
- Adjustable dial
- Weight
- 550 g
- Material
- Plastic
- Named jobs
- Seed, feed, salt
- In the box
- Spreader
Common questions
What capacity is on the listing?
The bullets say 2.5 litres. Product dimensions are 33.5 x 19 x 14 cm and the weight line is 550 g.
Is the flow adjustable?
The listing says an adjustable dial. UK reviews describe three flow options.
Do the small holes pass seed?
One UK review says the smaller holes do not really work. Other UK reviews say feed and seed spread well once the dial is set.
Our view
The LengSuaa S8 is a cordless fan at £39.99 and 1.48 kg, with a 3.3 litre hopper, six speeds and eight angles. The bullets claim a throw of up to 5 m and coverage under 800 m², and they say a Makita 18 V battery is not included. Technical details on the same listing say the power source type is ac, which disagrees with the cordless bullets. amazon.co.uk shows 4.5 from two reviews, and the page first appeared on 8 April 2026. One UK review says no user guide was included, so a 60 m² box of seed could not be matched to a gap and a speed. The other review is only a short recommendation, and neither review tests the under-800 m² line. The bullet also says the hopper holds about 3–4 kg of salt or seed. It is a poor first buy unless you already own a matching 18 V pack and you can ignore the ac line.
Pros
- 3.3 litre hopper with six speeds and eight angles
- Bullets name seed, fertiliser and salt
- Stated throw of up to 5 m, as a claim
- Fits the Makita 18 V packs the listing names, battery extra
Cons
- Battery not included, at £39.99
- Power line says ac while the bullets say cordless 18 V
- 4.5 from only two reviews
- One UK review had no guide for a 60 m² seed box
Best for: You already own a matching 18 V battery and you will test the flow yourself.
Less suitable: You want a first handheld tool with a large review base and a battery in the box.
Specifications
- Model
- LengSuaa cordless spreader
- Brand
- LengSuaa
- Price
- ∼£40
- Customer rating
- 4.5/5(2)
- Mechanism
- Cordless fan
- Capacity
- 3.3 l
- Spread width
- 5 m claim
- Flow control
- 6 speeds, 8 angles
- Weight
- 1480 g
- Named jobs
- Seed, fertiliser, salt
- In the box
- Battery excluded
Common questions
Is a battery included?
No. The title says without battery. The bullets name Makita 18 V packs and say the battery is not included.
Why do the power lines disagree?
Technical details say power source type ac. The bullets describe a cordless Makita 18 V tool. Both lines are on the listing.
Is there a settings chart?
One of the two UK reviews says no user guide was included, so a 60 m² box of seed could not be matched to a gap and a speed. The other review is only a short recommendation.
Our view
The UTMHGU is a 2.5 litre plastic shaker at £15.99 and 440 g, with a scoop in the box and three opening sizes named small, medium and large. amazon.co.uk shows 4.4 from 68 reviews. UK reviews describe the plastic scoop for loading, and one of them also describes an off position on the selector, which the bullets do not spell out as a separate stop. The page does not state a spread width in metres. One UK review says the screw lid loosened and fell off with normal road salt, while other UK reviews used the same style of jug for driveway salt without writing that fault. The package measures 33 x 20 x 13 cm. Choose it when you want a stated volume, a scoop and a mid-band price, and treat the lid on coarse salt as the check before you commit a whole bag.
Pros
- 2.5 litres with a scoop in the box
- Three opening sizes
- 4.4 from 68 amazon.co.uk reviews
- UK reviews describe driveway salt as a real job
Cons
- No stated spread width
- One UK review says road salt loosened the screw lid
- The off position is in a review, not a clear bullet
- 440 g empty, and heavier once the hopper is full
Best for: You want a 2.5 litre jug with a scoop for patches and a short drive.
Less suitable: You need a lid that UK reviews never report coming off with road salt.
Specifications
- Model
- UTMHGU 2.5 litre shaker
- Brand
- UTMHGU
- Price
- ∼£16
- Customer rating
- 4.4/5(68)
- Mechanism
- Shaker jug
- Capacity
- 2.5 l
- Flow control
- 3 opening sizes
- Weight
- 440 g
- Material
- Plastic
- Named jobs
- Seed, feed, salt, grit
- In the box
- Spreader and scoop
Common questions
Does it include a scoop?
Yes. The bullets mention a scoop, and UK reviews describe a plastic scoop for loading.
How many flow settings are there?
The bullets say three opening sizes: small, medium, and large. One UK review also describes an off position on the selector.
Can coarse road salt jam the lid?
One UK review says the screw lid loosened and fell off with normal road salt. Other UK reviews used it for driveway salt without writing that fault.
Our view
The LYAZKMY is a 2.5 litre plastic shaker at £15.69 and 460 g, with adjustable hole sizes and no stated spread width. amazon.co.uk shows 4.2 from 73 reviews. Some UK reviews report an even spread of salt or fertiliser. Others say seed is hard to get out, or that the tub feels heavy once it is full. The bullets do not list gloves, although a UK review says a pair arrived with the spreader, so gloves are not part of the specification. The package line is 36.79 x 19.6 x 13.5 cm, and the listing first appeared on 13 August 2025. It is a mid-price jug with a real review count, and a poor default if your particular seed will not pass the holes you receive.
Pros
- 2.5 litres at £15.69
- 4.2 from 73 amazon.co.uk reviews
- Adjustable hole size on the listing
- UK reviews cover salt and fertiliser as well as seed
Cons
- No stated spread width
- Some UK reviews say seed is hard to get out
- A full tub is described as heavy
- Gloves appear in a review, not in the bullets
Best for: You want a 2.5 litre jug with dozens of reviews for salt or feed.
Less suitable: Your seed is the grade UK reviewers found hard to shake out.
Specifications
- Model
- LYAZKMY 2.5 litre shaker
- Brand
- LYAZKMY
- Price
- ∼£16
- Customer rating
- 4.2/5(73)
- Mechanism
- Shaker jug
- Capacity
- 2.5 l
- Flow control
- Adjustable holes
- Weight
- 460 g
- Material
- Plastic
- Named jobs
- Seed, feed, ice melt
- In the box
- Spreader
Common questions
Are gloves in the box?
The bullets do not list gloves. A UK review says a pair of gloves came with the spreader.
What capacity is stated?
The bullets say 2.5 litres. Package weight is 460 g. No spread width is stated.
Do UK reviews say the seed flows freely?
Some UK reviews report an even spread of salt or fertiliser. Others say seed is hard to get out, or that the tub is heavy when full.
Our view
The Yiddeoont YD-11 is a 2.5 litre PE shaker at £14.44 and 540 g, with three dial settings and no stated spread width. Dimensions on the listing are 17.78 x 17.78 x 33.02 cm. amazon.co.uk shows 4.2 from 11 reviews, and the page first appeared on 31 March 2026, so the sample is small and recent. One of the five UK reviews says the lid would not lock and fell off, spilling grass seed. The other written reviews do not repeat that fault. At 540 g empty it is already heavier than the Fiskars shaker, before you add granules. It is a stated 2.5 litre tub near the bottom of this price band, and the lid lock is the first thing to test on the lawn.
Pros
- Stated 2.5 litre hopper
- Three dial settings
- £14.44, below the other 2.5 litre jugs
- PE body named for seed, fertiliser and ice melt
Cons
- 4.2 from only 11 reviews
- One UK review says the lid fell off and spilled seed
- No stated spread width
- 540 g empty, and first listed on 31 March 2026
Best for: You want a cheap stated 2.5 litres and you will check the lid on the first fill.
Less suitable: You want a large UK review base, or a lid that reviews do not report unlocking.
Specifications
- Model
- Yiddeoont 2.5 litre shaker
- Brand
- Yiddeoont
- Price
- ∼£14
- Customer rating
- 4.2/5(11)
- Mechanism
- Shaker jug
- Capacity
- 2.5 l
- Flow control
- 3 dial settings
- Weight
- 540 g
- Material
- PE
- Named jobs
- Seed, feed, salt
- In the box
- Spreader
Common questions
How much does the hopper hold?
The bullets say 2.5 litres. No spread width in metres is stated.
How many flow settings are there?
The bullets say three adjustable dial settings.
Does the lid stay on?
One of the five UK reviews says the lid would not lock and fell off, spilling grass seed. The other written reviews do not repeat that fault.
Our view
The Greenera GR028 is a 3 litre manual crank at £17.99 and 420 g, with a flow dial, four apertures and a forearm support. The origin line says China, and the dimensions are 23.5 x 22.7 x 21.7 cm. amazon.co.uk shows 3.2 from 33 reviews, the weakest star line in this set. Several UK reviews say the handle or spinner jams, that weed-and-feed will not throw, and that seed comes out in clumps. A minority say it did spread seed or fertiliser. The listing states no spread width in metres. A seizure on the first use is a reason to talk to the seller under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, not a dial you can calibrate past. Read those jam notes before you treat £17.99 as a saving against the Gardena crank.
Pros
- 3 litre hopper, larger than the Gardena volume line
- Manual crank with four apertures and a forearm support
- 420 g, lighter than the Gardena’s 610 g
- £17.99, close to the shaker prices
Cons
- 3.2 from 33 reviews
- UK reviews describe a jammed handle or spinner
- Weed-and-feed and clumped seed come up in UK reviews
- No stated spread width
Best for: You want a crank-shaped tool only after you have read the jam reviews.
Less suitable: You need a spinner that UK reviews say keeps turning.
Specifications
- Model
- Greenera 3 litre crank
- Brand
- Greenera
- Price
- ∼£18
- Customer rating
- 3.2/5(33)
- Mechanism
- Manual crank
- Capacity
- 3 l
- Flow control
- 4 apertures
- Weight
- 420 g
- Material
- Plastic
- Named jobs
- Seed, feed, salt
- In the box
- Spreader
Common questions
Is this a shaker or a crank?
The listing calls it a rotary hand-powered spreader with a flow dial, four apertures, and a forearm support. Power source is manual.
What do UK reviews say about the spinner?
Several UK reviews say the handle or spinner jams, that weed-and-feed will not throw, and that seed comes out in clumps. A minority say it spread seed or fertiliser.
Does the listing state a spread width?
No. It states a 3 litre hopper, 420 g, and dimensions of 23.5 x 22.7 x 21.7 cm. No metre width is given.
How we compared
Scores compare the eight amazon.co.uk listings kept in this category. Prices, stars, and review counts are the figures in those listings. There is no laboratory test. The scores do not name a national best hand spreader. Each score is out of 100 in four blocks, and the weights below sum to 100. The cordless listing loses 12 points once, because technical details say ac and the bullets say 18 V, and the two UK reviews do not test the under-800 m² claim. That deduction is not a second penalty for the small sample. The highest score is the top pick, once. The highest value-part score that is not the top pick is best value, once. A tie on the total does not create a second award.
1
Stars
40%The amazon.co.uk star rating divided by 5, multiplied by 40, and rounded. A missing star line scores 0.
2
Sample
25%Review-count bands out of 25: 1,000 or more scores 25, 50–999 scores 16, 10–49 scores 8, 1–9 scores 3, and none scores 0.
3
Fit as a hand spreader
25%A stated metre width, thumb shut-off, crank disc, and a large rating base score 22. A light branded shaker with three modes, a large rating base, and no width scores 16. A 2.5 litre jug with 50 or more reviews and a scoop or a clear dial scores 14. Mixed notes on seed flow score 12. A small sample and a lid complaint score 10. A crank with a UK jam cluster and no width scores 8. A cordless fan with the battery excluded, disagreeing power lines, and an untested coverage claim scores 6.
4
Value in this set
10%Under £13 with 1,000 or more reviews scores 10. £14–£16 with 50 or more reviews scores 8. About £18 with 50 or more reviews and 4.5 stars scores 7. £14–£16 with fewer than 50 reviews scores 6. £30 or more with a stated width and a very large sample scores 6. About £18 with 3.2 stars scores 4. £40 with the battery excluded and two reviews scores 2.
Independent review
Last updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Hand spreader buying guide
Choose the mechanism first, then a coverage figure you can check, then the hole size against the granule. Prices below are the amazon.co.uk shelf prices in this set. A jug and a crank throw granules in different ways: see [shaker jug or rotary crank](/hub/garden-tools/hand-spreader/sub/hand-spreader-shaker-or-rotary).
What is a hand spreader?
A hand spreader on amazon.co.uk is a carried tool that meters dry granules: grass seed, lawn fertiliser, weed-and-feed, sand, or winter salt. This comparison keeps eight listings. Five are plastic shaker jugs. One is the Gardena handheld crank with a spinning disc. One is the Greenera manual crank. One is the LengSuaa cordless fan, sold without the Makita 18 V battery the bullets name. There is no British Standard number on these listings. A holed jug pours where you tip it.
Best for
- A household with a small lawn or bald patches who will refill a handheld hopper
- Someone gritting a private path who can rinse the jug afterwards
Not ideal for
- A reader who needs a stated metre width and is holding a jug that leaves the width blank
- Anyone treating two reviews, or reviews of other Gardena machines, as a test of this model
Mistakes to avoid
- 1
Filling until the lid will not lock
A UK review of the Yiddeoont says the lid would not lock and fell off, spilling grass seed. One UK review of the UTMHGU says road salt loosened the screw lid. Stop the fill when the lid locks, and test that lock before you walk.
- 2
One hole for every granule
Fine seed wants a small hole. Coarse salt wants a large one. Damp weed-and-feed can bridge the holes. One UK review of the Fiskars says the granules need to be bone dry. One UK review of the STOWBERRY says the smaller holes do not really work.
- 3
Treating litres as kilograms
Gardena’s bullets split one hopper into about 1.65 kg of fertiliser, 2.0 kg of salt, and 1.0 kg of seed. A UK review says a seed fill was about 400 g. A 2.5 litre jug is a volume, not a weight. Two reviews are not the same evidence as 6,628.
What to weigh up
Mechanism and a width you can check
HighA holed jug pours where you tip it. A crank disc throws a fan, heavier in the middle, so you need overlap and a shut-off on turns. A cordless fan is a third type. In this set the LengSuaa ships without the Makita 18 V battery the bullets name, and the same listing says the power source is ac. Gardena UK and the amazon.co.uk bullets put the M at about 100 m² and a 4 m width, with four steps and a thumb shut-off, at about £31.95. The 2.5 litre jugs and the Fiskars shaker do not state metres.
Hole size, hopper, and the bag rate
HighFine seed wants a small hole. Coarse salt wants a large one. One dial rarely suits both, and damp granules bridge. Fiskars offers pour, fast, or slow, and a UK review says weed-and-feed must be bone dry. UTMHGU names small, medium, and large openings, plus a scoop. STOWBERRY has an adjustable dial that UK reviews describe as three flows, and one UK review says the smaller holes do not really work. LYAZKMY has adjustable holes, and some UK reviews say seed is hard to get out.
Which option suits you?
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
Short grit path
You want a light jug for a path, boxes, or beds, with salt among the named jobs, and you will rinse it afterwards. The Fiskars is about 280 g. It states no width in metres.
Patches with a scoop
You want a stated 2.5 litre jug and a scoop in the box for patches and a short drive. UK reviews describe driveway salt. One UK review says road salt loosened the screw lid, so test the lock on the first fill.
Common questions about hand spreaders
Which hand spreader is the top pick in this set?
In this set the top pick is the Gardena Hand-Held Spreader M, model 431-20, at about £31.95. Gardena’s UK page and the amazon.co.uk bullets put the fan at about 1–4 m for lawns of up to about 100 m², with four quantity steps and a thumb shut-off. The score is 89 out of 100. amazon.co.uk shows 4.5 from 6,628 ratings. A UK review says a seed fill was about 400 g, against a 1.0 kg seed bullet.
Which listing is the best value?
Best value is the Fiskars Solid, model 1057076, at about £12.20. It scores 88, and its value block is 10 out of 10. It is a glass-fibre shaker of about 280 g, with pour, fast, and slow modes, named for sand, salt, fertiliser, and seed. amazon.co.uk shows 4.6 from 1,040 reviews. The page states no spread width and no litre capacity. A UK review says damp weed-and-feed clogs the holes.
How much does a hand spreader cost?
The shelf prices in this set split into four bands. About £12.20 to £15.99 covers the Fiskars, the Yiddeoont, the LYAZKMY, and the UTMHGU. About £17.95 and £17.99 cover the STOWBERRY shaker and the Greenera crank. The Gardena M is £31.95. The LengSuaa cordless fan is £39.99, and the battery is not in the box. A Garden Ninja guide has quoted about £18–£22 for the Gardena model. That older guide price is not the price on this listing.
What is the difference between a shaker and a crank?
A shaker jug has holes and pours where you tip it. The jugs here state hopper volume and leave the width blank. A crank and disc throws a fan that is heavier in the middle, so you overlap passes and shut the flow on a turn. The Gardena M states about 1–4 m and about 100 m². The Greenera is also a manual crank, and UK reviews describe a jammed spinner. The LengSuaa is cordless, and the battery is not included.
Which listing states a spread width?
The manufacturer width in this set is the Gardena Hand-Held Spreader M: about 1–4 m and about 100 m². The 2.5 litre jugs, the Fiskars shaker, and the Greenera crank leave the metres blank. The LengSuaa bullets claim a throw of up to 5 m and coverage under 800 m². The two UK reviews do not test that claim. The same listing says the power source is ac, while the bullets describe a cordless 18 V tool sold without a battery.
How do you match a bag rate?
Follow the bag. RHS patch sowing is often about 15–25 g/m², and the packet overrides a generic figure. Sow in two directions so the passes cross. ICL’s handheld method is to weigh what lands on a known square, then change the dial. The HandyPro numbers on that page belong to named professional fertilisers, not to these ASINs. Litres are not kilograms. A full jug of salt weighs more than the same jug of seed.
How much salt should a hand spreader put down?
Use a large hole for coarse salt, and rinse the spreader before seed or fertiliser goes back in. Wear gloves. UK salt sellers describe about 10–15 g/m² to prevent frost and about 20–40 g/m² for snow or thicker ice, after loose snow is cleared. Leftover crystals after a thaw mean too much salt. Keep salt and weed-and-feed off borders and drains. One UK review of the UTMHGU says road salt loosened the screw lid. Test the lid before you tip a whole bag.
When is a handheld tool the wrong tool?
A handheld tool is for a small lawn you can refill. When refilling is the whole job, look at a wheeled hopper in the broadcast spreader comparison. If a new crank is seized, that can be a fault. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives 30 days to reject faulty goods for a refund. The wrong hole for coarse salt is often a granule mismatch. Nitrate-vulnerable-zone rules on GOV.UK apply to agricultural land. Keep fertiliser out of water.
Our verdict
In this set the top pick is the Gardena Hand-Held Spreader M. It scores 89: a stated spread of about 1–4 m and about 100 m², four steps, a thumb shut-off, 4.5 from 6,628 reviews, and about £31.95. A UK seed fill was about 400 g against a 1.0 kg bullet, and some reviews on the ASIN describe other Gardena machines. Best value is the Fiskars Solid at about £12.20, because its value block is 10, with 4.6 from 1,040 reviews and a weight of about 280 g. It states no spread width. UTMHGU and STOWBERRY both score 73 and take no badge. The LengSuaa scores 35 after a 12-point deduction and takes no badge: the battery is excluded, the power lines disagree, and two reviews do not test the coverage claim.
Best valueView offer
Fiskars Solid spreader
Best value at about £12.20: value block 10, 4.6 from 1,040 reviews, and about 280 g.
Editorial
Editor
DIY & toolsGarden toolsamazon.co.uk listings
Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.
Updated: October 2026
8 sources checked
Guides to hand spreaders
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
Hand spreader buying guideMechanism and coverage claims, without the full price table.Which listing to open firstA choice inside these eight listings, not a national best.How to use a hand spreaderHow to hit the bag rate without stripes, once you own a tool.Shaker jug or rotary crankA fork between a holed jug and a crank with a disc.Winter grit with a hand spreaderEven salt or grit on a private drive, in grams rather than seed method.
Related comparisons
Sources
Public UK sources used for this comparison. Listing prices, stars, and review counts are the amazon.co.uk figures saved with these products. The page was updated in October 2026.
- Gardena UK — Hand-held Spreader M (retrieved October 2026)
- Garden Ninja — Best lawn spreaders UK buying guide (retrieved October 2026)
- ICL UK — Calibrating your HandyPro handheld spreader (retrieved October 2026)
- RHS — Lawns from seed (retrieved October 2026)
- RHS — Repairing lawns (retrieved October 2026)
- GOV.UK — Using nitrogen fertilisers in nitrate vulnerable zones (retrieved October 2026)
- legislation.gov.uk — Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 23 (retrieved October 2026)
- IBT Merchants — Using rock salt in winter (retrieved October 2026)
This page contains affiliate links to amazon.co.uk. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, stars, and review counts are the UK listing lines. We did not run a lab test.