With an automatic watering device you save a lot of manual watering work. The device enables fully automatic and precise watering of all areas in the garden. Here you can find out exactly how such an irrigation computer works and what you should pay attention to when buying one.
The selection of watering machines is large
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| kind | watering computer |
|---|---|
| thread | G 3/4 and G1 |
| pressure | 0.5-12 bars |
| watering duration | max 480 mins |
| Number of cycles/day | max 3 |
| watering rhythm | daily to weekly |
Gardena's Select irrigation control convinced most Amazon reviewers with its good workmanship ("nothing drips") and functional reliability. In addition, it should be “super easy” to control with a button. The excellent price-performance ratio is also praised. One of the key benefits of this watering computer is the ability to connect a moisture sensor to make garden watering even more efficient. In addition, the high maximum pressure, the potential three cycles and the high maximum watering time are among the advantages of the device. In view of these pros and positive reviews, the model deserves first place in our comparison.
our recommendation
Kärcher water computer WT 5
32.99 EUR To the product| kind | watering computer |
|---|---|
| thread | G 3/4 and G1 |
| pressure | max. 10 bar |
| watering duration | 120 minutes max |
| Number of cycles/day | max 2 |
| watering rhythm | flexible |
Similar to the Gardena watering system (€32.95), the high-quality WT5 automatic watering device from Kärcher is also very popular with Amazon customers. The reviewers point out that each day can be programmed individually and two watering times per day can be set. Some criticize that the initial programming takes a relatively long time and the water flow through the device would be reduced. This reduction should result in a limited throwing distance of the lawn sprinkler. A plus point is the detachable and reattachable control unit. Pressure and watering time are lower than our comparison winner.
our recommendation
Technoline WZ 1000 irrigation computer water timer irrigation timer
31.50 EUR To the product| kind | watering computer |
|---|---|
| thread | G 3/4 and G1 |
| pressure | unknown |
| watering duration | unlimited |
| Number of cycles/day | max 2 |
| watering rhythm | daily to weekly |
Technoline is a lesser-known manufacturer, but the brand's watering computer is very well received by Amazon customers. 90 percent of the approximately 200 reviewers to date (as of November 2022) have given the device four or five stars. The automatic watering device should work perfectly and be quick to install. There are minor points of criticism: The operating instructions seem to leave a lot to be desired. In addition, several users recommend installing the machine in a shady place - the display apparently turns black in strong sunlight. Otherwise there are almost only words of praise for the Technoline automatic watering device.
Purchase Criteria
kind
There are simple and more complex automatic irrigation systems. With the simple variants, the mechanical watering timers, you can generally only set the stop time - with the electric watering timers you can also set the start time, the intervals and the pressure. In principle, however, the programming options here are very limited and often inflexible. In contrast, complex digital watering computers offer a wide range of functions and, above all, a very precise controllability of watering times and intervals as well as the amount of water.
thread and pressure
Make sure that the watering timer you choose is compatible with your faucet in terms of thread and pressure. Most irrigation computers are compatible with the G 3/4 (corresponds to a diameter of 26.5 millimeters) and G1 (diameter of 33.3 millimeters) thread. As a rule, a water pressure of 0.5 to a maximum of twelve bar is supported. If you would like to connect the automatic watering device to a rain barrel, you should check whether your model is suitable for this.
irrigation control
How precisely can the watering intervals and times be regulated? Of course, it depends on the needs of your plants whether you absolutely need a device that gives you detailed options in terms of watering duration and cycles. It is very practical if the water computer starts and stops watering automatically. Keep in mind that mechanical watering timers often only stop automatically. With digital machines, make sure that the display is clear and removable.
Useful extras
sensor connection: A sensor connection for a humidity or rain sensor helps to optimize the automatic control of the watering computer.
Battery level indicator: In order to be able to charge or replace the battery in good time, a charge level indicator is an advantage. It prevents a temporarily limited functionality of the device and thus missing or incorrect watering.
WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity: Although this extra is not a must-have, it is very useful, as it gives you the option of operating the watering device simply via your smartphone.
scope of delivery
Of course, the focus is on the quality of the watering machine. If the scope of delivery also convinces with quality and possibly also with size, it is all the better. One of the most important elements is a user manual that is as comprehensive as possible in several languages and is clearly written and translated. Ideally, the battery is already included (unfortunately rarely, the almost only exception is the solar-powered watering computer, which is always supplied with a lithium-ion battery!).
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is an automatic watering device?
An automatic waterer is a garden tool that you can use to automate garden watering. Whether lawn, trees, bushes, flower or vegetable beds - by individually programming the watering computer, you ensure that every plant gets the right amount of water at the right time, without having to reach for the watering can or garden hose yourself.
What is the difference between an automatic watering device and a watering timer?
The water timer is a kind of "watering machine light". Like a watering computer, it enables you to water the garden fully automatically - i.e. the regulation of the watering times and cycles. However, the water timer does not offer as many detailed functions as the water computer.
How does an automatic watering device work?
Attach the automatic watering device between the tap and the garden hose and program it. That's easy. The computer does the rest. According to the programming, he opens the valve of the tap and the water reaches the sprinkler via the water hose, which quenches the plant's thirst. Finally, the automatic closes the tap again.
Which brands offer good watering machines?
There are automatic watering devices from several well-known garden brands, including Gardena and Kärcher. Royal Gardineer offers you inexpensive models of solid quality.
our recommendation
Royal Gardineer water timer: mechanical watering timer, up to 120 minutes, 3/4" thread (watering timer)
11.02 EUR To the productWhere is the best place to buy an automatic watering device?
Various contact points can be considered for the purchase of an automatic watering device. You will find what you are looking for in well-stocked hardware stores such as OBI, hagebaumarkt, toom or Bauhaus as well as in garden centers à la Dehner. Depending on the season, you may also be lucky in supermarkets and discounters (Aldi, Lidl). However, you can enjoy the largest selection at Amazon.
How much does an automatic watering device cost?
Simple mechanical irrigation clocks are available from around ten euros. You usually pay at least 20 euros for an electronic watering timer. If you want a comprehensively programmable irrigation computer, you have to reckon with upwards of 40 euros. Digital watering machines with multiple connections and numerous functions can cost up to 200 euros.
equipment
humidity sensor
A moisture sensor is a very practical addition to the watering device. Positioned between the plants and activated, it measures the current soil moisture level at regular intervals. The data is continuously forwarded to the watering machines. This only starts watering the garden if the determined value is below the target value you have set.
our recommendation
Hunter Soil Click Moisture Sensor
114.65 EUR To the productrain sensor
In principle, a rain sensor works in the same way as a humidity sensor. However, it does not measure the soil moisture, but rather determines whether it is raining or not by detecting the humidity. In the event of precipitation, the automatic watering device stops watering and prevents unnecessary water consumption.
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