Best Water Timers

Review & Comparison, Last Update September 30, 2024
Water is a finite source. Doesn't matter the region, you need something like a water timer, a device that will help you manage it. Plus, it will minimize your water bills. Also known as hose timers, we've picked some of the best models out there and, hopefully, one of them will satisfy the needs of your garden. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Inlets / Outlets
Control
Programming
Power Source
Warranty
 
PROS

The 2-piece construction lets you easily program the timer and replace the batteries since you don't have to disconnect the hose. 

CONS

The device consists of two parts and that makes it quite bulky.

OUR VERDICT

Thanks to 4 dials, the control unit of the device is easily programmable. By using the dials, you can switch between four valves, turning the manual mode on and off, as well as switching the rain delay function. This model will be a perfect tool for watering medium to big gardens.

detailed parameters
Inlets / Outlets

1 inlet valve / 4 outlet valves

Control

LCD screen with buttons and knobs

Programming

7-day flexible scheduling, Auto / Manual mode, Rain Delay mode

Power Source

2 x AA batteries

Warranty

7 years

PROS

The quick dial menu allows for quick programming of the watering schedules. Even without consulting the user manual, you'll be able to turn on the manual and rain delay modes for 24, 48, and 72 hours respectively.

CONS

A low-contrast screen is hard to read under direct sunlight.

OUR VERDICT

This model is firmly protected against water hammer situations, so the water flow will always remain stable. This feature makes it a perfect device for areas with low water pressure in the irrigation systems.

detailed parameters
Inlets / Outlets

1 inlet valve / 2 outlet valves

Control

LCD screen with buttons and dial

Programming

Flexible scheduling, Auto / Manual mode, Rain Delay mode

Power Source

2 x AA batteries

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The LCD screen in this model is backlit, so you can always use it regardless of the lighting. On top of that, the water filter negates the risk of debris getting into your water system.

CONS

The energy consumption of this model is rather high, so you'll have to often change the batteries. 

OUR VERDICT

Although it has only one outlet valve, this water timer is still a great piece of equipment that makes irrigation scheduling more reliable than ever. This timer will be a great pick for irrigating small gardens or front yard lawns.

detailed parameters
Inlets / Outlets

1 inlet valve / 1 outlet valve

Control

LCD screen with buttons and knobs

Programming

Flexible scheduling, Auto / Manual mode, Rain Delay mode

Power Source

2 x AA batteries

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The plastic swing front panel firmly protects the control unit from hazardous UV radiation and excessive moisture. Additionally, you can close the panel with a key to restrict access to the control panel.

CONS

An AC connection is required.

OUR VERDICT

If you are a proud owner of one or several indexing valves and want to control them remotely, this model will be right up your alley. The small yet capable control unit allows saving up on the water bills without sacrificing the efficiency of the irrigating process.

detailed parameters
Inlets / Outlets

Up to 4 water stations / indexing valves

Control

LCD screen with buttons and knobs

Programming

7-day flexible scheduling, Auto / Manual mode, Rain Delay mode, Water Budgeting mode

Power Source

AC (CR2032 battery for power emergency)

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The programmable functions make scheduling the irrigation really easy, even for 7 days ahead. Moreover, with these simple settings, you can adjust up to 4 schedules for each individual hose that is connected to the water system.

CONS

The initial programming of the timer is a bit tiresome.

OUR VERDICT

An affordable yet highly efficient water timer from Melnor will be a good addition to an existing irrigation system. Thanks to the 4 outlet valves, you can connect up to four hoses simultaneously, while the powerful control unit makes the programming process as easy as it can possibly be.

detailed parameters
Inlets / Outlets

1 inlet valve / 4 outlet valves

Control

LCD screen with buttons

Programming

7-day flexible scheduling (4 cycles per day), Auto / Manual mode, Rain Delay mode

Power Source

2 x AA batteries

Warranty

7 years

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Melnor 53280

Irrigation Made Simple

The Melnor 53280 model is a 4-outlet digital water timer that will make the management of your irrigation system an absolute breeze. As the name suggests, the timer can be connected to 4 different hoses at the same time to increase the existing irrigation area or to create new ones in order to ease the irrigation process.

As for the design, the model is divided into two parts - the control unit and a water splitter. This way, the user has more options and can install a timer different ways to accommodate their needs or preferences. The only real issue with running four hoses at the same time is water pressure, which is usually low when used directly from the tap. In order to make the irrigation process more efficient, we recommend using a maximum of 2 hoses at the same time or, alternatively, program the timer to run irrigation systems for multiple areas on schedule.

The programming of the device is fairly straightforward and will take you just a couple of minutes to figure out, provided you refer to the user manual for help.

When it comes to the nitty-gritty features, this model features a special rain delay mode that will stop all irrigation processes before an upcoming rain and continue watering down plants automatically when that delay period ends.

The unit is battery operated and requires 2 AA batteries, which will last you for a while since the processing unit doesn’t consume a lot of power. Although they don’t come in the package, one set of batteries will be more than enough for around 300 irrigation cycles. All in all, despite some minor flaws that don’t really affect the irrigation process, this 4-hose irrigation timer is one of the best deals on the market today.

Review of Melnor 53280 4-Outlet Digital Water Timer

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01E0LONN4

 

Orbit 58910

Don't Waste Water

The 2-outlet programmable hose faucet timer from Orbit will make sure your plants are always watered on time.

The only problem with this model is its low-contrast digital screen, which is hard to read under direct sunlight. So, we recommend programming the device in advance before the initial irrigation process begins and connecting it to the hoses afterwards.

Speaking of the programmable functions, you can set the unit to irrigate the plants each day with intervals ranging from 6 to 12 hours. Alternatively, you can set up the schedule so the timer can water your garden zones every day or up to every 7th day.

As with many other similar models, this timer features a rain delay function that allows delaying the irrigation process by 24, 48, or 72 hours.

The swivel connection of the timer allows for quick installation on any surface or a wall close to the water pump. In addition to that, the housing of the timer is weather resistant, which allows using it throughout the growing season.

Dissimilar to other water timers, this one features a manual watering mode that makes manual irrigation as simple as it can possibly be while maintaining the pre-set settings. A solid middle-ground solution for small to medium-sized gardens, the Orbit 58910 will be a great addition to your garden tool set.

Review of Orbit 58910 2-Outlet Programmable Hose Faucet Timer

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $47.44
Stock In stock
ASIN B008VDULGG

 

Gideon Single-Valve

Make Your Garden Look Good

If you are looking for a single-valve timer for your irrigation system, this model from Gideon will be right up your alley.

First things first, the timer features a special filter that maintains an always stable water flow and prevents debris from getting into the system and, in turn, onto your lawn. Additionally, this hose timer from Gideon features a backlit LCD screen that is easy to read at any time of the day, a good addition to an already nice package. As for the power means, the device runs on two AA batteries that, unfortunately, you'll have to purchase separately.

Combined with powerful yet simple programming options, you can either use the pre-set settings or set up your own schedule by using the buttons and dial on the body. What is more, you can select a rain delay mode as well as manual watering mode depending on weather conditions. You can set the time for a single irrigation session in a range between 1 to 240 minutes.

What is interesting about this model, though, is the option to select as many watering sessions per day as you want, something that you can't say about any other model in this price range.

In short, the Gideon irrigation timer is a perfect solution for lawn sprinklers and single-zone garden irrigation systems.

Review of Gideon Single-Valve Hose Water Timer
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07CLHNX9G

 

Orbit 57894

A Modest Premium Model

Contrary to other water timer models, this Orbit timer is designed to program the indexing valves and cannot be connected to the irrigation systems directly.

That means that the unit can be used with 4 water stations simultaneously and act as a controller for them. On top of the regular water stations and pumps, the controller can be hooked to standard sprinkler valves (24V).

Connection means aside, the programming process of the unit is straightforward and easy to follow even without a manual. A large LCD screen is easy to read, while the dial in the center of the device features all the settings you may possibly need to set up the right schedule for watering your garden.

The housing of the device is weatherproof and can be installed outdoors. However, in order to unleash its maximum potential, we recommend installing it indoors. This option will be more convenient since the unit requires an AC connection in order to run. The main reason for that is electronics that may not work as intended under extreme temperatures. That said, the swing panel will ensure that no liquids will reach the circuitry and some of the more fragile internal parts.

A modestly priced device that has features of a premium model - the Orbit 57894 model can and, most certainly, will become your irreplaceable garden helper for years to come.

Review of Orbit 57894 4-Station Outdoor Swing Panel Sprinkler System Timer

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $74.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B003LY4I0U

 

Melnor Advanced Functions

Set up Schedules How You Want

An all-updated digital water timer from Melnor could be boldly described as the hot new thing in the world of irrigation systems.

The first thing that catches the eye is an LCD screen that is much larger compared to other water timers in this price range. Furthermore, the timer features a whole array of different sensors that can turn on and off multiple irrigation modes. The unit also features built-in moisture sensors that will detect any abrupt changes in the relative air humidity or dampness of the soil.

Four connections of the timer allow for connecting sprinklers, soaker hoses, pulsators, as well as other irrigation tools. The flexible scheduling allows programming the device according to the needs of your garden. You'll be able to easily set up the time and the frequency of these irrigation sessions.

On top of the regular schedule settings, you can set up to 4 irrigation sequences for each connected hose. These programming features are coupled with all standard modes such as rain delay and a manual mode that allows using the faucet without resetting the already saved irrigation sequences.

All things considered, the advanced Melnor water timer is, perhaps, one of the most accessible and easy-to-use on the market today.

Review of Melnor Advanced Functions Digital Timer with 4 Independent Cycles

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $60.96
Stock In stock
ASIN B0748MN8V8

 

What Is a Water Timer?

A water timer is a device designed specifically for irrigation systems to efficiently water lawns or plants in the garden. These small devices can be quite useful since they can ration the use of water and save resources as well as energy.

Unlike professional sprinkler timers that are used in large irrigation systems, regular hose timers are designed for much lesser scale garden and lawns. However, some of these timers have programming features that make them more comparable to the premium, industrial models.

These timers can be programmed to water the plants, or connected directly to an existing sprinkler system in order to turn them on when you need them. While some models are connected directly to the water pump and hoses, others have to be hooked to the water stations or electric indexing valves.

If you are also in the market for a good irrigation system, we recommend taking a look at these top hose models. It is important to have a place to store this gear during mid-season, so a nice hose reel will be a nice addition to any garden.

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Publish Date: 2019-01-29 10:14:37