Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability were checked July 17, 2026 and can change. – Maya Bennett
Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug AeratorEditorial 4.2/5
$279.99
Choose Yard Butler for manual core aeration, Agri-Fab 45-0365 for the lowest-cost spike approach, or Agri-Fab 45-0299 when a tractor and broad coverage matter more than storage and price.
How I evaluated these lawn aerators
For the three-product comparison, start with soil moisture rather than the tool box because dry soil resists entry and saturated soil smears. This is angle 1 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, separate core aeration from spike aeration because holes and removed plugs create different soil outcomes. This is angle 2 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, measure the lawn area before choosing coverage because working width changes the number of passes. This is angle 3 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, use owner ratings as evidence to inspect rather than a promise that every lawn will respond the same way. This is angle 4 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, treat a marketplace price as a dated snapshot because inventory, seller and variation can change. This is angle 5 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, look for a clear reason to aerate, such as traffic compaction, poor infiltration or a dense thatch layer. This is angle 6 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, avoid turning one specification into a guarantee when soil type, grass variety and rainfall alter results. This is angle 7 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, plan what happens after aeration because seed, compost, fertilizer and watering decisions affect recovery. This is angle 8 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, keep the article’s recommendation tied to a buyer and lawn size instead of declaring one universal winner. This is angle 9 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, check storage and transport requirements because a tow-behind implement can be awkward even when it is effective. This is angle 10 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
Sources checked July 17, 2026: Gardeners World lawn aerator guide; Angi lawn aeration cost guide; Homes & Gardens compaction test; Ideal Home heatwave timing warning.

Full spec sheet at a glance
| Role | Mechanism | Size | Price checked | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Manual hollow-tine coring | 38 x 11 x 2 inches | $27.99 | 4.3/5 |
| Best Budget | Spike aeration | 16-inch working width | $47.03 | 3.4/5 |
| Best for Large Lawns | Tow-behind plug aeration | 48-inch working width | $279.99 | 4.2/5 |
Detailed picks
Best Overall: Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator
Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator is the best overall because homeowners who want genuine manual core aeration for small and medium lawns. The role is conditional on the lawn and the buyer’s available equipment.
Its mechanism is manual hollow-tine coring, while the working expectation is about 3-inch plugs. This distinction decides whether the model belongs in a core-aeration plan.
The dated price signal is $27.99 and the visible rating is 4.3/5 from 8,710 reviews. Marketplace information changes, so verify the current variation before buying.
The clearest strength is the way Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator matches one defined job. The clearest weakness is that the same design becomes inefficient when used outside that job.
For Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator, start with soil moisture rather than the tool box because dry soil resists entry and saturated soil smears. This is angle 1 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator, separate core aeration from spike aeration because holes and removed plugs create different soil outcomes. This is angle 2 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator, measure the lawn area before choosing coverage because working width changes the number of passes. This is angle 3 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator, use owner ratings as evidence to inspect rather than a promise that every lawn will respond the same way. This is angle 4 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator, treat a marketplace price as a dated snapshot because inventory, seller and variation can change. This is angle 5 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator, look for a clear reason to aerate, such as traffic compaction, poor infiltration or a dense thatch layer. This is angle 6 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator, avoid turning one specification into a guarantee when soil type, grass variety and rainfall alter results. This is angle 7 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator, plan what happens after aeration because seed, compost, fertilizer and watering decisions affect recovery. This is angle 8 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator, keep the article’s recommendation tied to a buyer and lawn size instead of declaring one universal winner. This is angle 9 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator, check storage and transport requirements because a tow-behind implement can be awkward even when it is effective. This is angle 10 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator, read low ratings for repeated failure patterns and high ratings for the conditions in which the product worked. This is angle 11 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
- True hollow-tine core action
- Powder-coated steel construction
- Lightweight manual format
- Simple, repairable design
- Strongest balance of control and value
- Manual work is slow on a large lawn
- Requires soil at the right moisture level
- No tow-behind width for broad properties
- Mechanism: Manual hollow-tine coring
- Working action: Removes soil plugs
- Dimensions: 38 x 11 x 2 inches
- Listed weight: 1.77 pounds
Best Budget: Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator
Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator is the best budget because budget buyers who need a simple push tool for light surface compaction. The role is conditional on the lawn and the buyer’s available equipment.
Its mechanism is spike aeration, while the working expectation is creates holes rather than soil plugs. This distinction decides whether the model belongs in a core-aeration plan.
The dated price signal is $47.03 and the visible rating is 3.4/5 from 2,573 reviews. Marketplace information changes, so verify the current variation before buying.
The clearest strength is the way Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator matches one defined job. The clearest weakness is that the same design becomes inefficient when used outside that job.
For Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator, start with soil moisture rather than the tool box because dry soil resists entry and saturated soil smears. This is angle 1 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator, separate core aeration from spike aeration because holes and removed plugs create different soil outcomes. This is angle 2 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator, measure the lawn area before choosing coverage because working width changes the number of passes. This is angle 3 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator, use owner ratings as evidence to inspect rather than a promise that every lawn will respond the same way. This is angle 4 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator, treat a marketplace price as a dated snapshot because inventory, seller and variation can change. This is angle 5 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator, look for a clear reason to aerate, such as traffic compaction, poor infiltration or a dense thatch layer. This is angle 6 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator, avoid turning one specification into a guarantee when soil type, grass variety and rainfall alter results. This is angle 7 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator, plan what happens after aeration because seed, compost, fertilizer and watering decisions affect recovery. This is angle 8 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator, keep the article’s recommendation tied to a buyer and lawn size instead of declaring one universal winner. This is angle 9 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator, check storage and transport requirements because a tow-behind implement can be awkward even when it is effective. This is angle 10 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator, read low ratings for repeated failure patterns and high ratings for the conditions in which the product worked. This is angle 11 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
- Lowest current snapshot price
- Straightforward push format
- 16-inch working path
- Weight tray can add penetration
- Recognizable replacement-parts brand
- Spike action is not the same as core aeration
- Lower owner rating than the other picks
- Amazon listing marks the model discontinued by manufacturer
- Mechanism: Push spike aeration
- Working width: 16 inches
- Use case: Light surface compaction
- Manufacturer status: Listing says discontinued
Best for Large Lawns: Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator
Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator is the best for large lawns because large-lot owners with a lawn tractor and enough storage for a tow-behind implement. The role is conditional on the lawn and the buyer’s available equipment.
Its mechanism is tow-behind plug aeration, while the working expectation is 3-inch plugs. This distinction decides whether the model belongs in a core-aeration plan.
The dated price signal is $279.99 and the visible rating is 4.2/5 from 2,429 reviews. Marketplace information changes, so verify the current variation before buying.
The clearest strength is the way Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator matches one defined job. The clearest weakness is that the same design becomes inefficient when used outside that job.
For Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator, start with soil moisture rather than the tool box because dry soil resists entry and saturated soil smears. This is angle 1 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator, separate core aeration from spike aeration because holes and removed plugs create different soil outcomes. This is angle 2 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator, measure the lawn area before choosing coverage because working width changes the number of passes. This is angle 3 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator, use owner ratings as evidence to inspect rather than a promise that every lawn will respond the same way. This is angle 4 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator, treat a marketplace price as a dated snapshot because inventory, seller and variation can change. This is angle 5 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator, look for a clear reason to aerate, such as traffic compaction, poor infiltration or a dense thatch layer. This is angle 6 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator, avoid turning one specification into a guarantee when soil type, grass variety and rainfall alter results. This is angle 7 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator, plan what happens after aeration because seed, compost, fertilizer and watering decisions affect recovery. This is angle 8 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator, keep the article’s recommendation tied to a buyer and lawn size instead of declaring one universal winner. This is angle 9 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator, check storage and transport requirements because a tow-behind implement can be awkward even when it is effective. This is angle 10 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator, read low ratings for repeated failure patterns and high ratings for the conditions in which the product worked. This is angle 11 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
- Wide 48-inch coverage
- 32 galvanized plugging knives
- 175-pound weight tray
- Universal hitch for lawn tractors
- Fastest fit for broad lawns
- High purchase price and storage demand
- Needs a compatible towing machine
- Heavy setup is excessive for small yards
- Mechanism: Tow-behind plug aeration
- Working width: 48 inches
- Plug depth: 3 inches
- Knives: 32 galvanized knives
What the headline misses
The first useful distinction in lawn aerator 2026 is between a product that looks impressive in a listing and a product that fits the job a buyer actually needs to complete. That is why this shortlist separates Best Overall, Best Budget, and Best for the specific use case. Those labels are decision tools, not a claim that every shopper should buy the same item.
A comparison page becomes more useful when it explains the cost of choosing the wrong format. In this category, the wrong choice can mean extra setup, awkward storage, limited coverage, a poor match for the surface, or a price that does not make sense for the frequency of use. The three finalists above are intentionally read through those practical tradeoffs.
How to read the three recommendations
Best Overall: the Best Overall pick
For the Best Overall pick, the strongest argument is balance. A Best Overall pick should not win because it has one spectacular specification. It should cover the common job without creating a new problem around setup, storage, maintenance, or replacement costs. That makes this option the sensible first read for a general buyer.
The tradeoff around the Best Overall pick is that balance usually costs more than the simplest entry point. Buyers should ask whether they will use the extra capacity or convenience often enough to justify the difference. If the answer is no, the Best Budget product may deliver a cleaner value decision.
Best Budget: the Best Budget pick
For the Best Budget pick, the value case needs a narrower definition than simply calling it cheap. A useful budget pick protects the shopper from paying for features that will sit unused. It still needs an acceptable path through setup and everyday use, because a low purchase price is not a bargain if the product is abandoned.
The main question for the Best Budget pick is where the lower price comes from. It may reflect a smaller format, fewer included parts, a simpler control system, lower capacity, or a less flexible use case. None of those is automatically a defect. They become defects only when they conflict with the buyer’s actual routine.
Best for the specific use case: the specialist pick
For the specialist pick, the specialist role is the point of the comparison. This product is not being presented as the universal winner. It is here because one concrete constraint matters more than broad versatility. That could be footprint, coverage, portability, a particular surface, a particular workflow, or a specific maintenance preference.
A specialist product can be the least regrettable purchase when its defining advantage appears every time the item is used. It can also be the wrong answer for a general household that wants one device to handle many situations. Read the use-case label literally and compare it with the space, time, and frequency available at home.
Ownership details that change the ranking
Setup, storage, and the first week
Setup deserves its own place in the decision. Before ordering lawn aerator 2026, check where the item will live, how it will be carried or stored, whether an outlet or compatible accessory is required, and what parts need cleaning after use. These details are easy to overlook in a product grid and often decide whether the item feels convenient.
Maintenance is another hidden comparison field. Ask which components contact water, dirt, food, soil, chemicals, or other residue; which parts are removable; and whether consumables are proprietary. A product with a modestly higher price can be the better long-term value if it is easier to keep ready for the next use.
Ratings, price, and availability are signals
The numbers also need context. A rating is a signal from many buyers, not a controlled lab result. Review count can indicate how much public experience exists, but it does not prove that every review applies to your conditions. Availability tells you what can be bought now, while the price tells you what the decision costs today.
I would use the comparison in three passes. First, eliminate any product that cannot fit the physical or operational constraint. Second, compare the remaining products on the feature that matters most for the job. Third, read the corresponding product review for the details that a compact table cannot carry. This avoids choosing by a single badge or star score.
What the evidence can and cannot prove
The authority links and manufacturer information should answer factual questions, while the editorial analysis explains the tradeoff. If a claim depends on a specification, verify it against the current listing or official documentation. If a claim is a judgment about buyer fit, treat it as editorial guidance rather than a promise of identical results.
This article is source-based unless a hands-on evidence note says otherwise. ReviewGuid does not turn listing research into a fabricated personal test. That distinction matters because real performance can vary with the surface, room, climate, maintenance, operator technique, and condition of the item when it arrives.
How to make the final choice
Use the constraint-first decision path
Before checkout, compare the final delivered price, seller, return terms, warranty language, and availability of replacement parts. A product can move between roles when a sale appears or when an accessory is missing from the current bundle. The recommendation is therefore a structured starting point, not a reason to skip the final listing check.
The clearest decision is usually the one that names the compromise. Choose the Best Overall pick if you want the broadest answer and accept its price or footprint. Choose the Best Budget pick if the main objective is a simpler lower-cost path. Choose the specialist pick if the specific use case is more important than general versatility.
Recheck the offer immediately before ordering
If you are still undecided after reading the table, open the review that matches your role and look at the gallery, included features, known limitations, and purchase notes. Then return to the comparison and ask one final question: which limitation would bother you every time you used the product? That answer is usually more reliable than a generic ‘best’ label.
A final practical check is to write down the one task this purchase must make easier. If none of the three options improves that task in a repeatable way, wait rather than buying from a headline. If one option clearly fits, use its review and the live listing to confirm the remaining details.
Questions worth answering before checkout
Which product should a general buyer open first?
Start with the Best Overall pick and then compare its main limitation with your routine. If that limitation is unacceptable, move to the role that solves your constraint instead of forcing the overall pick to fit.
When is the budget choice the smarter choice?
the Best Budget pick is the smarter choice when its simpler format covers the job and the features you are giving up will not be used. Confirm the bundle and return policy before treating the lower price as final value.
Why not choose the most specialized option every time?
the specialist pick earns its place when its special strength appears often. If the use case is occasional or uncertain, the extra specialization can become unused complexity, which is why the Best Overall role remains the safer default for many households.
Did ReviewGuid perform a private laboratory test?
No. Unless an article names verifiable hands-on evidence, this comparison is based on dated marketplace data, product documentation, and authority sources. It does not present research as personal ownership or laboratory testing.
Where should I continue reading?
Use the companion trend article for category context at the current trend report. Use the three sibling reviews for product-level details before making the purchase decision.
The final listing check
Open the live offer for the Best Overall pick and compare the exact variation, seller, delivery estimate, and return language with the information used in this article. A changed bundle can change value even when the product name looks identical.
If the listing no longer matches the dated evidence, pause and reassess the role rather than silently assuming the old price or package still applies. That small check keeps the comparison useful after the marketplace changes.
The recommendation should also survive a realistic week of ownership. Imagine the first setup, the first storage decision, the first cleanup, and the first time the product has to solve the exact problem that led you to search for lawn aerator 2026. If the Best Overall pick creates a manageable routine, it remains the broad recommendation; if not, the role-based alternatives become more persuasive.
A good comparison leaves room for a no-purchase decision. If the lawn, room, surface, schedule, or budget does not match any of these formats, buying immediately can create more work than it removes. Measure the constraint, check the current alternatives, and return to the three roles only after the job is clearly defined.
Buyer guide: choose by soil, lawn size and timing
For the three-product comparison, read low ratings for repeated failure patterns and high ratings for the conditions in which the product worked. This is angle 11 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, use the return window to inspect construction, missing hardware and fit with the buyer’s existing equipment. This is angle 12 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, schedule work for active grass growth and skip a heatwave or a lawn that is too dry to recover. This is angle 13 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, avoid confusing a polished product photograph with proof of penetration, durability or consistent coverage. This is angle 14 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, write down the measured area, passes and soil response so the next season’s decision improves. This is angle 15 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, consider whether a rental or professional service is more sensible for a single large renovation. This is angle 16 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, compare the tool’s maintenance burden with the time saved, not just the purchase price. This is angle 17 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, treat a discontinued listing as a higher-risk purchase and confirm parts, returns and seller identity. This is angle 18 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, remember that a lawn can look rough immediately after core aeration while still benefiting later. This is angle 19 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
For the three-product comparison, use a screwdriver or similar simple check before buying equipment when compaction is uncertain. This is angle 20 in the July 17, 2026 editorial review, so the recommendation stays tied to a visible decision rather than a vague promise.
Who buys each pick?
Small and medium lawns needing manual cores.Read review on Amazon
Budget buyers needing surface openings.Read review on Amazon
Tractor owners managing broad lawns.Read review on Amazon
FAQ
What is the best lawn aerator overall?
The Yard Butler ID-6C is the overall pick for buyers who want manual core aeration and have a small or medium lawn.
Is the Agri-Fab push spike tool a core aerator?
No. It creates openings with spikes; it does not remove the same type of soil plugs as a hollow-tine core tool.
Which pick suits a large lawn?
The 48-inch Agri-Fab 45-0299 is the large-lawn choice when the buyer has a compatible tractor and storage.
Were these products physically tested?
No. This comparison uses dated public listings, specifications, owner metrics and independent lawn-care sources; it does not claim hands-on testing.
FINAL PICK
For most homeowners, Yard Butler is the clearest starting point because it performs the core-aeration job without requiring a tractor. Match the tool to the lawn before ordering.

Yard Butler ID-6C Lawn Coring Aerator
Agri-Fab 45-0365 16-Inch Push Spike Aerator