10 Best Watering Timers For Garden & Lawn
Are you still using a hose to water your garden or lawn when you could buy a watering timer and avoid all that trouble? Well, it’s the 21st century, and there’s a machine for almost everything. Therefore, there’s no reason you should make your busy schedule even more demanding with this outdoor chore. Now, this […]
Are you still using a hose to water your garden or lawn when you could buy a watering timer and avoid all that trouble?
Well, it’s the 21st century, and there’s a machine for almost everything. Therefore, there’s no reason you should make your busy schedule even more demanding with this outdoor chore. Now, this is not an original idea, as many of you may have been thinking along these lines.
However, you can’t just buy the first timer you see, since you’d want one that will optimally use water while simultaneously reducing wastage. That’s why we have curated this list of the 10 best watering timers for gardens and lawns that ensure top-notch performance throughout.
Without further ado, let’s begin.
Best Watering Timers
Here’s the list of the 10 best watering timers for garden & lawn, saving you time and effort while efficiently maintaining your outdoor oasis.
1. Orbit 58910 Programmable Hose Faucet Timer – Best for Efficient Watering
The Orbit 58910 Timer is a sure-shot way to get your watering schedule right on track. If you have been keeping busy and are worried that your plants are not getting enough water, we suggest buying this reliable machine to get it done. It’s efficient and water-smart, which is a win-win for homeowners with gardens.
- Watering frequency from every 6 hrs up to every 7th day
- Watering duration from 1 to 240 minutes
Why Did We Like It?
To begin with, we’re very impressed with the simplicity of this product. It just goes on to show that a device can have multiple features and still be user-friendly. That said, once you fix it to a water outlet, all you need to do is set the watering duration and frequency.
For the duration, you can select between 1 and 240 minutes, while the frequency ranges from every 6 hours to every 7th day. Therefore, you can program the device in a way that suits your garden.
Furthermore, you have access to a manual button for instant faucet use without interrupting the set parameters. In fact, you don’t have to reprogram your device even while replacing batteries, and that’s just incredibly convenient.
Other than that, it’s equipped with a rain delay function that can pause your watering session for 24, 48, or 72 hours. So, depending on the weather forecast, you can use this feature to save water.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We are more or less satisfied with its performance, but if there were one thing we had to point out, it would be the lack of winter hardiness. We’d suggest taking it off if the temperature in your area gets close to freezing point. The device just cannot hold up to such harsh conditions.
- Wide water frequency and duration range
- Manual button for instant access to the faucet
- Rain delay function pauses watering for up to 72 hours
- No need for reprogramming while changing batteries
- Device cannot hold up to freezing temperatures
2. Gilmour Single Outlet Electronic Water Timer – Best for Small Gardens
The Gilmour Single Outlet Electronic Water Timer is designed to cut down your garden chores by taking off timely watering from your to-do list. It’s easy to use and a smart companion that will provide you with years of interrupted service. So, go ahead and get this affordable item to simplify your watering needs.
- Single outlet to run one hose or watering tool
- Programmable start time, frequency and duration of watering...
Why Did We Like It?
First of all, this is a single outlet model, meaning you can connect to only one hose or watering implement. Therefore, this is good enough for small gardens and flower beds that do not need a lot of water.
Furthermore, this is a programmable device that lets you set the start time, frequency, and watering duration. This way, you can make sure that your green space gets the amount of water it needs – not more or less.
What impressed us the most is the Rain Delay feature, which lets you turn off the machine altogether. Other than that, the Safeguard mechanism comes in handy when the timer is running on a low battery. In short, it automatically stops the water when the batteries are almost exhausted.
Overall, it’s an excellent device made of durable parts and a sizable LCD screen that can streamline your watering needs like never before.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We do not have any complaints regarding its design or features, but we couldn’t help but notice the low water pressure. This might be a problem for some users, and we can see why. Naturally, it takes more time to water an area, which ultimately is also a drain on the batteries.
- Users can set start time, frequency, and duration
- Rain Delay feature turns off the device to prevent wastage
- Safeguard mechanism stops water flow at low battery
- Features an easy to read, sizable LCD screen
- Low water pressure; takes more time to water an area
3. Orbit 62034 Mechanical Watering Hose Timer – Best for Simplicity & Durability
Next, up, we have the Orbit 62034 Mechanical Watering Hose Timer, a solid performer that keeps your garden nourished and hydrated. It’s easy to use and makes things convenient and effortless from the get-go. So, if you’re interested in something simple yet reliable, we suggest investing in this one.
- EASIEST TIMER TO USE: Works just like an egg timer. Set the...
- Durable high impact construction
Why Did We Like It?
First of all, this Orbit device does not require batteries to function, which you can very well make out from the timer’s design. While it may not have an electronic screen, the mechanical dial works just fine.
So, if you’d rather not get confused with too many features, this straightforward device is worth the money. However, that’s not all. This mechanical timer can keep the water flowing for 15 minutes to 2 hours, which is good enough for small-sized lawns and garden beds.
Besides, it’s sturdy and long-lasting compared to other models in this price range, thanks to the ergonomic swivel and heavy-duty construction. Other than that, you need not worry about water damage, as it does not include any electronic parts.
Lastly, the oversized dial enables a comfortable grip even with wet or gloved hands, which is a significant advantage for gardening enthusiasts.
What Could’ve Been Better?
With regular use, the device filter collects a lot of debris from the water, which eventually reduces the pressure. Therefore, if you’re going to buy this, you’ll have to clean the filter often. So, if you don’t mind this additional maintenance step, you can give this a shot.
- Timer can be set between 5 minutes to 2 hours
- Heavy-duty construction for long-lasting performance
- Oversized dial enables a comfortable grip
- Does not require batteries to function
- Filter needs to be cleaned regularly
4. Rain Bird SST1200OUT Timer/Controller – Best for Advanced Irrigation Systems
The Rain Bird SST1200OUT Timer/Controller is a highly sophisticated device that can make garden watering look like child’s play. It’s a top-tier product with a range of advanced features that enable improved water distribution across different parts of a garden. So, if you need an efficient irrigation system to hydrate your plants, get a hold of this one.
- This timer is so easy to program you won't need the...
- Simple zone-by-zone settings allow customized watering...
Why Did We Like It?
There are several reasons, actually, but let’s begin with the construction first. Firstly, it’s designed for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can set it wherever convenient and accessible. The internal electronic parts, along with the built-in transformer, are encased in a durable, weather-proof cabinet, ensuring safety and durability.
Also, the unit is equipped with a built-in surge protector that extends service life by stabilizing power fluctuations. Other than that, we really appreciate the zone-by-zone watering facility that allows better management of resources.
You can just turn the dial to the respective zone and set individual parameters for each. Also, the new cyclic settings allow you to set specific intervals between 1 to 29 days. Honestly, that’s very effective when you want to be more precise with your irrigation technique.
Lastly, we really like the prominent LCD screen and the lighted buttons, which make programming this unit a breeze. So, invest in this and get your watering schedule sorted.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We’re not the ones to nitpick when it comes to something this advanced and high-performing. However, if you have never used a timer like this before, you may struggle with the installation. The instructions are not very clear and do not provide any directions to connect the valve wires. This could be a problem for first-time users.
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Built-in surge protector stabilizes power fluctuations
- New cyclic settings can set intervals between 1-29 days
- Features a prominent LCD screen and the lighted buttons
- Instructions are difficult to follow for first-time users
5. Instapark PWT-07 Outdoor Waterproof Timer – Best for Customization & Adjustments
The Instapark PWT-07 Timer is another device that can perfectly meet your irrigation needs. It’s highly functional and chock full of features that appeal to gardening enthusiasts of all skill levels. So, if you’re looking for something that gives you more room for customizations and adjustments, check this out stat.
- Single-station digital programmable faucet water timer with...
- Weather-resistant, impact-resistance, premium ABS...
Why Did We Like It?
First things first, this digital timer includes an impulse solenoid valve that can be attached to any garden hose with a standard ¾” thread. Once you have attached the timer to a watering hose or faucet, simply set the current time, watering duration, and frequency.
This is where it gets interesting; you get to select from 16 frequency settings, ranging from 10 seconds to once in 7 days. Also, you have the same number of watering duration settings, starting from 5 seconds to 6 hours. Therefore, you can program this timer in a way that’s most suitable for your garden or lawn.
Apart from that, it also has a built-in rain delay function and a manual option, enabling maximum control and water conservation. Design-wise, we really appreciate the anti-slip grip and the dust cover for the LED screen. Also, since it’s made of premium ABS plastic, you can expect this device to stand the test of time.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Well, there’s no sugarcoating this, but the plastic threading on the timer deteriorates over time and fails to form a tight connection. This eventually leads to water leaking, which is nothing short of a nightmare for a garden owner. We would have liked it better if it came with durable metal threads instead.
- Includes 16 watering duration and frequency settings each
- Comes with a built-in rain delay function and a manual option
- Features an anti-slip grip and a dust cover
- High-quality ABS plastic build for long-term use
- Plastic threads deteriorate and start to leak
6. Rain Bird 1ZEHTMR Professional Grade Timer/Controller
It’s no secret that timely watering is the key to a greener lawn and garden. And for that to happen, you may need a reliable timer to help you out. That’s where the Rain Bird 1ZEHTMR Professional Grade Timer/Controller comes into the picture. Simply put, it does the job and has a lot to offer at an affordable price point.
- Robust professional grade digital hose-end timer for use...
- Simple-to-set automatic programming, 7-day scheduling and...
Why Did We Like It?
First and foremost, we love how versatile this timer is, catering to multiple watering needs when paired with the right implement. Long story short, you can combine the timer with hose-end sprinklers, soaker hose, and drip irrigation pipes for customized use.
Also, thanks to its high-flow design, the timer lets you operate up to 5 sprinklers. However, you must have adequate water pressure to carry out such watering sessions. Other than that, we really appreciate the generously-sized read-out screen that gives you all the necessary information at a glance.
That said, setting this up is a cinch. All you need to do is schedule the timer, and as such, you can select a maximum duration of 6 hours and program up to 2 start times daily. You’ll also find an instant override button that stops the watering immediately.
Meanwhile, the ‘water now’ button enables manual operation. So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free device for year-round use, this is where your search ends.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The timer works as advertised and we couldn’t find any flaws with its features or performance. However, this product has little to no UV stabilization, and that’s something we cannot ignore. So, if you’re gonna place it directly under the sun, the bright green color will surely fade, and that too pretty quickly.
- Versatile model works with multiple watering implements
- Large-sized read-out screen provides information at a glance
- Users can program up to 2 start times daily
- Includes a manual ‘water now’ button and an instant override
- Green color fades quickly when exposed to the sun
7. Melnor 65038-AMZ HydroLogic 4-Zone Digital Water Timer
If a single outlet timer is not powerful enough for your lawn, you may want to take a look at the Melnor HydroLogic Water Timer. It’s one heck of an advanced machine that comes with some unique features and customization options. So, if you want only the best things for your green zone, this can surely match your expectations.
- 4 high flow valves to water Multiple areas.
- Each valve works like a separate timer with up to 4...
Why Did We Like It?
There’s hardly anything to not like about this device, but let’s start with the basics first. For starters, this heavy-duty timer features 4 high-flow valves to water multiple sections in your garden or lawn.
And that’s not all; each of these valves can be programmed individually, as per zonal watering needs. Therefore, you get to schedule 4 different watering sessions and select up to 4 start times. So, if you have different types of vegetation with distinctive watering needs, this device can surely meet them all.
Apart from that, you can also set the timer to water every few days or on specific days of the week. So, if you’re looking to conserve water and reduce your bills, we suggest buying this next-generation timer. Lastly, we like that the package includes 5 extra stainless steel filter washers for immediate replacement.
What Could’ve Been Better?
While testing this product, we noticed some overlap in the mechanisms. While this is not a deal-breaker per se, any user would find these glitches annoying. Ideally, when you’re running individual functions, only one should work, and the rest should shut down. However, sometimes, the other valves do not close completely.
- Includes 4 high-flow valves for water multiple areas
- Users can select up to 4 start times and set different schedules
- Set the timer for watering on a specific day or days of a week
- Comes with 5 extra stainless steel filter washers
- Individual mechanisms may overlap
8. Orbit 21004 B-hyve Smart Hose Faucet Timer
Wouldn’t it be great if you could schedule your water timer on your smartphone? We heard you, and that’s why we recommend the B-hyve Smart Timer from the house of Orbit. This is just one of those devices that simplifies your life with an app. So, buy this and set up your watering time from virtually anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection.
- COMPLETE CONTROL: The B-hyve app is fully functional for...
- SMART WATERING: Weather sense technology provides watering...
Why Did We Like It?
For starters, this incredibly user-friendly device gives you complete control of your watering needs through the B-hyve app. Simply download the app on your Android or iOS system and virtually manage and program the water distribution.
Since it’s weather-based software, you can also let it create a schedule for you, which you can tweak accordingly. Other than that, we’re very impressed with the built-in weather sense technology that supplies water, based on multiple on-site factors like soil type, slope, sun/shade, etc.
In short, you don’t have to lift a finger; the device controller will automatically adjust to supply the necessary amount of water. Also, this model is WaterSense certified, meaning you can expect judicious use of water throughout.
The flow meter is another feature which we really like. It allows you to track water usage, and as such, you can even use it for other chores like washing cars, filling pools, etc.
What Could’ve Been Better?
For most parts, the B-hyve works as described, and that’s pretty much what we want in the case of such devices. However, it may not be the best choice for multiple timers, even though it’s an expandable system. Basically, you’ll have to individually program the timers as the app does not have a master programming schedule.
- B-hype app works with Android, iOS, and web services
- Weather sense technology based on on-site conditions
- WaterSense-certified device ensures judicious use
- Allows users to track water usage for multiple tasks
- Not the best app for multiple timers
9. Raindrip R675CT Analog 3-Dial Water Timer
Not everyone has the budget for a hi-tech watering timer, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to make do with sub-par products. That’s where the Raindrip R675CT Analog 3-Dial Water Timer comes into the picture, offering the best performance at an affordable price. So, if you’re looking for the best bang for the buck, add this to the cart.
- Automate your drip system with scheduled run times,...
- Works from a faucet or hose bibb; compatible with Garden...
Why Did We Like It?
Let’s just say that this device is not in the same league as other smart, zonal timers on our list. So, there’s no point in drawing such comparisons in the first place. Nevertheless, this is one of those basic, entry-level models that work just fine.
To begin with, setting this is up a cakewalk. It basically has 3 dials, and all you need to do is turn them as per requirement. That said, the device is quite versatile, in the sense you can pair it with any garden hose, outdoor faucet, or standard drip tubing. Honestly, that’s very neat for something in this price range.
Other than that, it automatically turns off the water flow when the battery charge drops. This fail-safe mechanism is an advantage that can significantly reduce water wastage. Also, if you are quick enough and can replace the batteries in 15 seconds, the device will retain the previous settings.
What Could’ve Been Better?
All’s fine, except the watering on auto mode does not start immediately. So, if you have selected a frequency of, say, 6-hours, it’ll start counting down from the time you set up the device. This is a minor inconvenience, and in this case, we suggest using the manual function for immediate access.
- 3-dial interface for easy setup and use
- Works with a garden hose, outdoor faucet, or drip tubing
- Automatically turns off the water flow on low battery
- Retains settings when batteries are replaced in 15 seconds
- Does not start watering instantly on auto mode
10. Kazeila Digital Irrigation Timer
If our previous product was too simple for your taste, we recommend taking a look at the Kazeila Digital Irrigation Timer. As gardening enthusiasts, we usually look for equipment that lessens the burden of upkeep. Don’t get us wrong, we love our plant buddies, but a little help goes a long way. Hence, this device is a must-have.
