With a watering timer, you can water your lawn and beds semi-automatically or fully automatically. Our guide introduces you to the different types of practical timers and explains what else you should pay attention to when buying.
There are electronic and mechanical irrigation clocks
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Gardena Select watering control: and time-saving watering, flexible watering thanks to 3 schedules, Water Now function (1891-20)
40.81 EUR To the product| Type | electronic |
|---|---|
| steering | Display + push buttons |
| watering duration | 1 second to 300 minutes |
| watering cycle | hourly to 15 daily |
| thread | G 3/4 + G 1/2 |
| water pressure | max. 8 to 10 bar |
With its three-inch LCD display and the clear push buttons underneath, the Omorc electronic watering timer is the most modern model in our comparison. Almost 90 percent of previous Amazon reviewers (as of November 2022) have rated the timer four or five stars. Many customers describe the watering timer as very stable and valuable. The ease of use is also explicitly praised. A good user manual should also be included. To operate the timer, you must order and insert two AA batteries. Given the detailed programming options and top ratings, the model deserves #1.
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Rain Point garden irrigation system watering timer, easy and fast programming with one button in 30s, waterproof automatic garden irrigation for garden greenhouse agriculture (102P)
31.99 EUR To the product| Type | electronic |
|---|---|
| steering | a dial |
| watering duration | 1 to 55 minutes |
| watering cycle | hourly to weekly |
| thread | G 3/4 + G 1/2 |
| water pressure | 0.5 to 8 bars |
What is particularly impressive about the Rain Point watering timer is the simple, extremely intelligent one-button digital control. In just a few minutes you have set your desired watering duration and time interval. Theoretically, you can water your garden all day long - with a five-minute break after every 55 minutes. In short, the timer can be programmed very flexibly. The simple, intuitive controls are also highlighted by most Amazon reviewers. Thanks to the high-quality sealing rings, not a drop should go astray. Three AAA batteries are required to operate the timer (not included!).
our recommendation
Gardena water timer: timer for water taps 26.5 mm (G 3/4) or 33.3 mm (G1), flexible watering duration (5-120 min), easy to connect thanks to the quick-connect system (1169-20)
22.08 EUR To the product| Type | mechanically |
|---|---|
| steering | a dial |
| watering duration | 5 to 120 minutes |
| watering cycle | - |
| thread | G 3/4 + G 1 |
| water pressure | 0.5 to 12 bars |
If you only need a mechanical watering timer, you are making an excellent choice with Gardena's bestseller. The analog egg timer is considered to be perfectly working and of high quality. In addition, it should be quick and easy to install. The maximum adjustable time of 120 minutes is perfectly sufficient for most gardens. In addition, you can also “instruct” continuous irrigation without a time limit. In short, the Gardena clock is simple and effective.
Purchase Criteria
Type
Mechanically: The simple timer is controlled mechanically and analogously via a rotary knob. It stops watering automatically, but you have to give the start signal yourself. The pressure cannot be regulated.
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Brandson - watering clock - water timer - watering control - watering system - simple manual watering - automatic - timer - duration 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 minutes
12.85 EUR To the productElectronic: The modern watering timer is operated electronically with batteries and controlled via a display as well as push and/or rotary knobs. With it, the pressure can be regulated and it also enables automatic start and stop of the irrigation. However, there may be a switch-on delay of up to twelve hours.
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FIXKIT New watering computer, digital water timer, watering clock IP68 waterproof LCD screen, watering programs up to 30 days, ideal for watering flowers, watering the lawn, etc
23.99 EUR To the producthandling/control
It is important that the selected watering timer is easy to handle. Ideally, operation is intuitive - although clearly written instructions can't hurt, of course. Luckily, these simple watering systems usually come with at most two dials or a display with a few push buttons that allow you to quickly and logically set the time intervals and watering duration.
watering time/duration
With both mechanical and digital watering timers, the maximum possible watering time is usually two hours (but there are exceptions). What may seem little at first glance is usually absolutely sufficient in practice. Very few plants want to be watered for a long time at a time.
watering cycle
How often would you like the partially or fully automatic watering to run? You can only preset a mechanical watering timer for one stop per day. If you want to water your green oasis twice a day, you have to reprogram the clock for the second time. With a digital timer you are usually much more flexible - thanks to the watering intervals of at least one hour up to a week or even more detailed cycles.
thread and pressure
When comparing different designs, also make sure that your intended watering timer is compatible with the tap and hose in terms of thread and pressure. Most watering timers are equipped with the G 3/4 (corresponds to a diameter of 26.5 millimeters) and G 1 (diameter of 33.3 millimeters) thread and can withstand a pressure of 0.5 to twelve bar. Remember that a non-pressurized watering timer is required for use with a water butt.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is an irrigation clock?
An irrigation clock, often also called a timer or irrigation timer, is an irrigation system (€32.95) with which you can partially or fully automate the irrigation times. In addition to the watering timer, you only need a water connection - for example in the form of a water tap or a rain barrel - and a suitable garden hose.
How does an irrigation timer work?
The functional principle is simple: You attach the watering timer to the tap and connect a garden hose that leads to where you want to water - this can be directly a flower bed or a lawn sprinkler (26.95€) in the middle of the garden. Then program the watering timer. It starts and/or stops the flow of water automatically by opening/closing the valve.
What is the difference between an irrigation timer and an irrigation computer?
Basically, the water timer acts as a "mini watering computer". The idea behind the two devices is the same - namely that of automated irrigation. Compared to the water timer, however, the water computer offers significantly more functions or more detailed and therefore more flexible programming. If you want to water several areas in the garden separately, you should buy a water computer.
Which brands offer good watering clocks?
Irrigation clocks are available from numerous well-known brands - such as Gardena, Grüntek or Royal Gardineer. There are also good models from Brandson, Omorc and Fixkit.
Where is the best place to buy an irrigation timer?
Mechanical and electronic watering timers are usually available in all well-stocked hardware stores and garden centers - whether at OBI, toom, Hornbach, Bauhaus, hagebaumarkt or Dehner. Depending on the season, you may also come across inexpensive irrigation systems in large supermarkets and discounters (Aldi, Lidl). But Amazon offers you the most diverse selection all year round.
How much does an irrigation timer cost?
Buying an irrigation timer is basically a rather small investment. For a solid mechanical model you are already there from about ten euros. You pay a bit more for electronic versions, but still not that much at an average of 20 to 30 euros. However, keep in mind that you will also need a suitable garden hose.
equipment
garden hose
If you want to set up your watering system from scratch and therefore do not yet have a garden hose, you should order one with your chosen watering timer. Two points are important here: The hose must be long enough to reach the destination and fit the thread of the watering timer.
our recommendation
Kärcher 2.645-138.0 hose PrimoFlex (1/2 inch, 20 m)
14.49 EUR To the productrain barrel
If you want to water your garden particularly sparingly, a rain barrel is a very useful addition. You can collect rainwater in it and then use it to water your garden plants. Please note, however, that rain barrels (€53.99) require a water timer that works completely without pressure (even 0.5 bar is still too much), otherwise this watering system will not work.
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RAIN BARREL RAIN BARREL WATER TANK RAINWATER TANK RAIN WATER BARREL GARDEN BARREL oak barrel 50l liters (rainwater barrel oak barrel 50L)
EUR 69.95 To the productadapter
Do the threads of the faucet, water timer and garden hose not fit together properly? Then make do with adapters that solve the problem.
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