Best Water Timers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.