Best Overall
Melnor 63100 AquaTimer 2-Zone Digital Water Timer
Best Bang for the Buck
RainPoint ITV105 1-Zone Mini Digital Sprinkler Timer
Best Mechanical
Gardena 31169 Mechanical Water Timer
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A hose timer is a childlike machine that link like a shot between a hosiery and a water spigot . The hosepipe timer ’s stance let it to command water catamenia to thehoseand the sprinkler ( if one is relate ) . However , it ’s crucial to note that a hosepipe timer is different than asprinkler control , which is an electronic machine designed specifically to work with an automatic sprinkler system of rules .
We need to sleep with which of today ’s top hose timer really deliver on their claims of simplifying watering , so we tested them ourselves . We choose the most popular and highest - scab model and tried them out in our yards and gardens . Our deary was theMelnor AquaTimer , boasting a durable design and well-to-do - to - program mise en scene with a large digital display .
To be effective , a hosepipe timekeeper should be simple to use , allowing for quick and wanton watering whenever and wherever necessary . in front , learn what to see for when frequent for a hosepipe timer and detect out why the following models realise a spot on this lineup of the best hose timer for most yard .
How We Tested the Best Hose Timers
Before conduct hands - on examination of hosiery timekeeper , we researched more than two dozen brands and model to identify the ones most extremely rated and recommended by experts and consumers . We scoured online revaluation and analyzed Cartesian product specification and feature to decide which timers to admit in our tests .
When testing hose timers , we bulge by attaching each one to a spigot and connecting it to a hose ( or two , if applicable ) . Then , we reviewed the programming lineament , testing the timer ’s ability to set lacrimation schedule and adjust watering duration and frequency . We also judge additional feature , such as rain delay or manual nullification , and assessed how easy the timer was to programme and use .
We scored each timer using a rubric . The good a timer performed in each test , the more point it received . Overall , our end was to comprehensively evaluate each timekeeper ’s performance and features to help you choose a hose timer for your own needs .
Tips from a Pro Gardener
We also interviewed Troy Smothermon , a fellow nurseryman with 20 years of experience and beginner ofStartOrganicin California , who shared some advice .
He suggest using “ flexile logical argument , ideally with alloy connection , to connect the timer to the hosepipe outlet . lend the timekeeper directly onto the end of a hosiery bibb can be a breaking point . ”
He add up that “ flexible business allow the timer to move , reduce accidental breaks and bumps when relocating the hose . Also , it ’s not a bad idea to install a splitter or “ Y ” so you’re able to still use your regular garden hose from the same hose bibb while your timer is instal . ”
Our Top Picks
A good hosepipe timekeeper helps ensure lawns and gardens do n’t dry out or accidentally flood . The following models deviate in type , price , and standard part , but each earned a spot on our batting order by performing well in our hand - on trial . We include the pro and con of each fashion model to help you determine which one will well befit your watering needs .
Melnor AquaTimer 2-Zone Digital Water Timer
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carries our brand ’s gamy level of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY product that impressed us most in our real - world examination and that represent core values of the Bob Vila brand , include craft , excogitation , and value for the dollar sign . Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are in person approved by Bob Vila .
Our Ratings : rest of Use5/5;Performance4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Topping our card is the Melnor AquaTimer . It features two hose outlets and is an excellent option for watering more than a single geographical zone .
In examination , we tie the AquaTimer to an outdoor spigot and connected two hoses to the bottom outlets . The fitting that connects to the faucet tress severally of the timer , which makes it simple to attach .
We discover programming the AquaTimer to be ego - explanatory . A central push in the midsection of the control control panel allowed us to scroll through the part , and we used the plus and minus push button to set the time as well as select when lacrimation would begin and how long it would last . Watering duration is adjustable from 1 minute to 6 hours .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
We create customs duty watering programs for each of the two zones . The first zone ran to a sprinkler in a flower bed , and we set the timer to water twice a day for 30 minutes each . For the second zone , we scat the hose to a large drinking bowl in our dogs ’ toy yard and programmed the water supply to come on twice a day for 2 minutes — just long enough to fill the bowl with fresh water . Having two-fold zones will be a blessing for anyone with multiple lacrimation needs , just as it was for us in our tests .
Once countersink , the AquaTimer execute the same watering agenda day by day , but it also has a rain - delay function that allows you to pause the watering docket if you do n’t involve to irrigate that day . It also feature a manual nullification function that allows you to irrigate anytime .
The AquaTimer runs on two AA batteries ( not included ) and have a big sluttish - to - record LCD screen . Its primary downside is that flow persuasiveness is not adjustable per geographical zone — if we wanted full - blast water for Zone 1 , we also had it for Zone 2 . For many , that in all probability wo n’t be a big offspring . Overall , this minuscule hose timekeeper save time and ensures the garden or pets always have a source of impudent water .
Photo: amazon.com
Read our full brushup : Melnor AquaTimer 2 - Zone Digital Water Timer
Get the Melnor hose timer atAmazon , orWalmart .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use3/5;Performance4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
Photo: amazon.com
One of the bounteous complaints from those with water faucet in grueling - to - reach spots is that most standard hose timers are too enceinte to connect . There ’s always the pick of attaching a short loss leader hose to the tap , then attaching a timekeeper between the leader hose and another garden hose . However , if you need a compact timer to employ in qualified area , the RainPoint Mini timer is a slap-up option .
The RainPoint Mini apply two AAA batteries ( not included ) and has the same features as most larger timekeeper . As a mini unit , it does only have one hose outlet , but for many lacrimation situations , that ’s enough . you may pick out a watering continuance between 1 min and 3 hour 59 second . you’re able to also adjust lachrymation absolute frequency to as often as once per hour or as small as once every 7 solar day .
We retrieve the words on the RainPoint Mini ’s telephone dial on the small side , so rather than attach the timer to a spigot where we might sputter to read the telephone dial , we prefer to connect the unit between two hoses . This process was quite simple thanks to the RainPoint Mini ’s easy - attach fitting . Unfortunately , this model ’s plus and minus button were also small — it was easygoing to plainly memorize which was which rather than strain to register them . Even though this lilliputian timer has a modest dial and clitoris , its LCD screen ’s digital bit are large and easy to see , even in bright sunlight .
Photo: amazon.com
To achieve the summary size , RainPoint does compromise on some features , such as separate button for manual override and rain delay ( up to 72 hour ) . This modest hose timekeeper require you to utilise the plus and minus release and set the telephone dial to “ On ” to activate those features , whereas other timers have dedicated push for those actions .
Get the RainPoint Mini hosepipe timekeeper atAmazon , The Home Depot , orRainPoint .
Gardena 31169 Manual Mechanical Water Timer
Our Ratings : easiness of Use4/5;Performance4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value5/5
Sometimes less is more . We did n’t have to interest about batteries run down with the Gardena mechanical hose timekeeper because this model is spring - dilute — no batteries are required .
Nothing could be simple-minded than turning the circular dial to set the watering duration between 5 and 120 minutes ( 2 hour ) . As soon as we do the time , we heard a faint ticking audio from the timer — similar to a kitchen timer that works on a spring - loaded system . The timekeeper is also exact . We set it to 15 minutes , and after 15 minutes of lacrimation , it shut the water off .
Photo: amazon.com
We could also impart the timekeeper on the spigot but opt for manual performance by turn the dial to water - only modality . This allowed us to turn the water on and off as we pleased without using the timekeeper office .
The Gardena timer does n’t arrive with any bells and whistles , and it does n’t declare oneself preprogramming . Every time we wanted to use the timer , we had to sic the dial manually , but it shuts the water off , and that ’s its save grace . Those with busy lifestyles who run to work on sprinklers but forget to turn them off do n’t have to occupy about flooding the yard and running up the body of water visor . When you determine the Gardena timekeeper , it ’s OK to forget .
Get the Gardena hosepipe timekeeper atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orWayfair .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Ease of Operation
Orbit 62056 One Outlet Single-Dial Hose Faucet Timer
Our rating : simpleness of Use5/5;Performance4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
After bolt down in two AA batteries ( not included ) , we connected the Orbit timekeeper to our outdoor faucet , confiscate a garden hosepipe , and start up testing . We immediately noticed how turgid and clear marked the dial functions were — it was very well-heeled to read them .
Using the dial , we could set the hose timer to irrigate for as little as 1 minute to as long as 240 minutes ( 4 hour ) , and we were able-bodied to change the watering frequence anywhere from once every 6 60 minutes to once every 7 days . scheduling was simple : The Orbit timekeeper features a six - affair telephone dial and plus and minus push for setting the clock and take how long and when to water . The Orbit timer also includes a rain - time lag function and a manual nullification .
Photo: amazon.com
Overall , this hose timer is an fantabulous performer , but we did n’t have a go at it its digital sieve . While the dial is large , the screen is on the small side , and it was challenge to see the readout in promising sunshine . Plus , it only has one weewee outlet , which may not be enough for some yard and garden . We feel it ’s best suited to little garden or perhaps a trickle irrigation organisation that runs off a single garden hose .
Get the Orbit hose timer atAmazon , The Home Depot , Orbit , orWalmart .
Best Dual-Hose
Gilmour 804014-1001 Electronic Water Timer
Our rating : Ease of Use4/5;Performance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
With dual - hose connections , the Gilmour electronic hose timer allowed us to operate two freestanding watering zones mechanically . It runs off two AA electric battery ( not include ) and comes with an easy - attach faucet connector . We ran one hosepipe to a traveling sprinkler and another to a drip system in a perennial border .
program each zone was easy — the Gilmour timekeeper features L ( leave ) and R ( correct ) buttons for selecting each zone . We used the dial and the plus and minus button to localise watering continuance , relative frequency , and a specific start clip for each zone . We could choose watering length between 1 and 360 proceedings and a watering frequence of every 6 hours , 12 hours , or up to 7 days .
Photo: amazon.com
This hosiery timer comes with a manual override for watering anytime and a rain - delay map that deactivate the timekeeper for up to 72 time of day . However , the rain postponement function could be a little more drug user - favorable . To engage it , you must first select the “ running ” characteristic on the telephone dial and then press the plus button . It ’s not visceral , and we had to interpret the manual ’s hunky-dory print to figure it out . Once learned , however , it ’s unlikely something you ’ll bury .
The digital cover is on the pocket-size side but is still easy to see and feature a stamp battery - charge indicant , which we appreciated .
Get the Gilmour hosepipe timer atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orWalmart .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Best Smart
RainPoint Smart Wi-Fi 2-Zone Sprinkler Timer
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Performance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
Those look to program or set a water timer remotely need see no further than the RainPoint Smart hose timekeeper . We ’ve test dozens of smart product , sync them to our Wi - Fi internet and controlling them via smartphones , so we were activated to prove this timer .
Physical facility begins just like other timer — plainly slip in four AA battery ( not included ) and attach the two-fold - zone timer to an outside spigot . In examination , the RainPoint Smart ’s easy - twist connector made this a snap . We then connect two hose — one to a dribble system and the other to a sprinkler in a flower bed .
That ’s all we could do from the social unit itself . To end up installing and set the watering programme for each zona , we then plugged in the included hub , download the app on our smartphone ( which required scanning a QR codification on the packaging ) , and followed the instructions to sync the timekeeper to our router . The sync process was easier than require since the app walked us through the preferences .
This is quite the hosepipe timer ! We could preprogram each of the two geographical zone for specific length from 1 minute to 11 hours 59 minutes and select particular days of the week for tearing . In increase , we could programme up to three separate tearing plans for any given twenty-four hour period . The app connect with local conditions forecasts and notified us if rain was on the mode so we could break watering for up to 72 hours . As if that was n’t enough , we could define watering modes by the amount of piss we want to deal out — from 1 gallon to 2,641 gallon .
The modern features on this hosepipe timekeeper add so much versatility . The RainPoint Smart can also be used with a soil sensor that registers when the soil is wry or pure and give notice you to adjust the watering programs . However , we did n’t have that sensor , so we could n’t prove that function .
This is the Cadillac of hose timers , but there is still one manual function : If you need to water without the timekeeper , simply push the social unit ’s left or correct release to grow the water on or off .
Get the RainPoint Smart hosiery timer atAmazon , orRainPoint .
Also Consider
Instapark PWT-07 Digital Programmable Water Timer
Those with littler lawn or gardens that do n’t involve multiple watering zone might want to consider this budget - friendly hosepipe timer from Instapark . The Instapark hose timekeeper has a panoptic range of a function of irrigate continuance preferences , from 10 seconds to 360 minutes ( 6 hours ) . The timer can be further programmed for lacrimation frequency from just once every 7 days to as often as every 10 seconds .
We instal two AA batteries ( not included ) and connected the timer to a hose reel ( yes , most timers will connect to reels as well as spigots ) . We then attach a hose to the outlet on the timekeeper . We experienced a substantial leak the first time we turned on the piddle — it sprayed forcefully out of the reel meet . Somehow the washer had fallen out of the fitting . We replaced it , reattached the timer , and had no more leaks .
Once we go under the tearing duration and frequency , we choose a offset time , and the hose timekeeper was quick to take over watering . We liked that the Instapark has a riffle - down cover to protect the LCD cover , telephone dial , and clitoris from hint , rain , and rough ultraviolet rays . It was promiscuous to programme by choose a lachrymation role with the dial and fine - tuning the scope with plus and minus buttons .
This timekeeper also comes with a manual nullification for on - need watering and a rain - time lag button , which intermit the watering oscillation if it ’s rain or going to rain . While the Instapark has only one hosepipe outlet , it offer the same features as more expensive brands — at a bargain price .
Get the Instapark hose timer atAmazon , orThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Hose Timer
Before choosing the best hose timer for a lawn , garden , orirrigation system , it ’s of the essence to set the type of hose timekeeper need , the power source ( if necessary ) , and whether you want to tie in it to a wise - dwelling system . Also look at whether you require a hosepipe timekeeper that allows for multiple hoses and dissimilar zone to get full control over watering . Those desire to prevent flooding of plant with lower body of water requirements but still give the weed a good drink will especially want to look for such feature of speech .
Mechanical vs. Automatic
The first factor to decide on is whether the hosiery timekeeper should be mechanical or if the lawn and garden would benefit more from an machinelike hosiery timer .
Electronic vs. Solar
power hose timer variegate on where they source the electrical energy , splitting them into electronic ( battery ) and solar categories .
Smart Technology
overbold applied science is a rapidly growing trend among those who want to outfit their homes with interconnected systems that automate convenience . Even hosepipe timers can harness this technology to be accessible through Wi - Fi and Bluetooth connection .
Water Source
Residential hosiery timer are made to connect to standard outdoor spigots . Despite the diameter of the actual hose , such as ½ inch or ⅝ inch , the valves and fittings should all be compatible . Unless the hose timekeeper specifies that it only gibe a gravid or smaller connector , there ’s no need to worry about it equip your home ’s tap .
Likewise , water pressure level — measured as pound per solid inch ( psi)—usuallyisn’t a trammel divisor , as hosepipe timers are plan to withstand pressure outstrip most residential water - delivery systems . To be secure , it ’s smart to check the ware details and the manufacturer ’s info to determine whether the hosepipe timer has a maximum pounds per square inch . Also note that commercial-grade water pressing may be too much for a residential hosiery timer .
Zones
Grass , pink wine , daffodil , Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , and more can occupy the same yard . Since not every plant life requires the same amount of water , some hose timers are designed to work with more than one hosepipe to separate the grand into watering zones . This sort of categorization and individual control can reserve the hose timekeeper to irrigate one area for 30 minutes , another area for 1 hour , a third area for 2 hour , and sometimes even a fourth zona for 3 hour , depending on how many outlets the timekeeper offers .
Smothermon says that “ it ’s important to think back that not all plants ask the same amount or relative frequency of watering . Fruit tree , recurrent herbaceous plant , and organic vegetable should all be on different zones because they all have different tearing requirements . plunk the type of plants or trees and set up a system specifically for each one . ”
The ability to control more than one watering zona is also a good feature for larger yard where part of the lawn is in the shade while another part dry out out quickly due to direct sun . In an instance like this , you could use a double - zone hose timekeeper to shorten the watering fourth dimension for the shaded area and economise water .
Programmability
Most hose timers that endure on electricity — regardless of whether they are battery- or solar - power — can be programme for more than one tearing cycle per second . In contrast , mechanically skillful or spring - loaded timers can only be set for a single time . Programmability allows you to set up the watering schedule for the intact week and may gallop up to a month or longer , depending on the specific product .
This is a good feature for individuals who live in drought - prone locations because the hose timer can be set to a precise watering schedule put up by water - preservation regularisation for the region .
Rain Technology
While automatic hosiery timer are great for program a hands - off watering schedule , automaticallyturning the sprinklers onwhile it ’s raining is pointless . Fortunately , manufacturers have devised solutions to this issue , include rain delay , pelting detection , and conditions forecasting .
FAQs
Still have questions about how hosiery timekeeper forge or how to sustain them properly ? Read on to find the solvent to some of the most common questions about these handy lawn - care dick .
All hose timer are water - resistant , but they are not all fully waterproof . However , remember that waterproof generally refer to the ability to be totally submerged under multiple foot of water system , a caliber that a hose timekeeper does n’t really need . Hose timers only need to resist damage from asprinkler , hose , rain , or pee dripping from your hands .
Hose timer should be inspected hebdomadary or monthly , depending on the lachrymation frequency , and exchange if leaks or fissure occur . Beyond this unsubdivided review , hose timers should also be slay before inhuman atmospheric condition begin to avoid immobilise and cracking .
If a hose timekeeper is properly maintained , it can last from 1 to 3 years before needing to be replaced . Smothermon state that “ As long as the rubber insert / gaskets inside the timer and inside the hosiery are replaced every yr or so , the systems typically rest leak free ”
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and author specializing in the building , remodeling , and real landed estate industries . She and her married man own a general contracting fellowship , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building lotion . She tests a extensive range of power tools as well as other home improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden product .
Additional research put up by Timothy Dale .
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