5 Best Hose Timer Review and Complete Buying Guide

Installing the best hose timer makes all types of watering systems at home more efficient. It helps conserve water and ensures that plants get an adequate amount of water but also prevents overwatering them.

There are different types of water sprinkler timers in the market, but out smart-buy option is the Orbit 58910. It has all the programmable features you need from the best hose timer like a rain delay function. This feature efficiently prevents overwatering of plants after a rainy day, saving the plants and conserving water as well.

The 2 outputs of the unit are also an advantage for use in expansive gardens and yards. Plus, both outlets and fully customizable to cater to various parts of the garden with different water requirements. It’s a multi-function water timer that supports two diverse water cycle programming in a single and intuitive system.

Best Hose Timer

Orbit 58910 Programmable Hose Faucet Timer

Features:

• 2 outlets
• Programmable hose faucet timer
• Durable and weather-resistant construction
• Manual watering option without interrupting programming
• Watering frequency for every six hours up to the 7^th day
• 1 to 240 minutes watering duration
• Rain delay feature of 24, 48, and 72 hours
• Easy to set up and use
• Large and easy-to-read digital display
• With programmed on and off times for water conservation

What We Like

Orbit is known for producing the best hose timer, and the 58910 Programmable Hose Faucet Timer is no different. What we like best about this water time is its 2 control outputs, which is the ideal for use in expansive lawns. Unlike other dual output timers in the market, both outlets from this model are programmable, instead of one programmable and one manual outlet.

Orbit also accomplished complicated programs for dual output irrigation timers with this unit. It’s incredibly straightforward to use, thanks to its simple design and intuitive programming system. It works like other Orbit single output timers, but with an added one-push button to toggle between the programs for each outlet.

The fully programmable outlets of the Orbit 58910 Hose Faucet Timer provide optimum flexibility in choosing different cycles for each output depending on the garden needs. Like other Orbit irrigation timers, this one also features a wide range of smart options, like watering duration and frequency, rai delay, and manual watering.

The unit has a good battery life, which can operate about 4000 watering cycles using 2 AA batteries. The water timer features sturdy brass fittings for hose attachments with an interior filter to avoid clogging.

What Can Be Improved?

This fully programmable dual output water timer is impressive in both build quality and operation. The only thing that could make it even better are more smart programming features like selecting specific watering days for places with water restrictions.

Rachio 8ZULW-C Smart Sprinkler Controller

Features:

• Smart sprinkler controller compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and more
• Compatible with soil and rain sensors
• Fast DIY installation and setup, no tools needed
• Easy to use application for controlling the timer anywhere and anytime
• Hyperlocal Weather Intelligence Plus uses forecasts from weather stations, radar, and satellite to water yards accordingly
• Weather intelligence features: rain skip, freeze skip, wind skip, saturation skip, and seasonal shift
• Tracks estimated outdoor water usage
• Tailored Smart Schedules for watering plants based on soil type, plant type, and sun exposure
• Water-efficient feature: saves 30% to 50% of water
• Supports up to eight customized watering zones

What We Like

For a smart sprinkler controller, the Rachio 8ZULW-C has a lot to offer, like Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, among many other smart home devices.

This unit is a 3^rd generation smart water controller from Rachio with a sleek and clean white-colored and plastic-made design. There is also a LED light bar in the middle, which notifies which part of the zone is currently receiving irrigation. It also flashes once there is a connectivity or system error.

This smart sprinkler controller supports 8 customizable watering zones and with 2 sensor connections for flow and rain sensors. Inside the unit’s magnetic cover, there are 2 standard connections, a jack for the power brick, and 2 24VAC output connectors.

One of the favorite features of this smart sprinkler controller is its Hyperlocal Intelligence Plus feature, which uses forecasts from weather stations, satellites, and radars. This feature makes the system tailor the watering cycle depending on the climate or weather.

Everything is also easy to control using a computer or a mobile phone through the app.

What Can Be Improved?

The Rachio 8ZULW-C is a hose timer with infinite watering capabilities. The only downside is its convenience comes at a high price. This smart controller is a costly system.

Nelson 56607 Timer with LCD Screen

Features:

• Longer watering time up to 360 minutes
• Easy to read display shows current time and the next watering scheduled program
• Durable swivel metal coupling for secure hose connection
• Easy and quick setup
• Lightweight but sturdy construction can withstand typical outdoor weather conditions
• Suitable for use with water pressure up to 600 psi
• Good battery life despite the LCD screen on 24/7
• Programmable features: timer, watering duration, watering frequency, and auto mode for the rain delay

What We Like

A good-quality water system controller doesn’t have to be complicated, and the Nelson 56607 Timer is a good example. What we like best about this unit is its user-friendly design from the setup and installation to programming the watering system. It has a simple knob to toggle between the water duration, water frequency, timer, and auto mode for the rain delay.

Another advantage of this hose timer is its lightweight but durable construction to withstand common outdoor weather conditions. Although it has a smaller build compared to other water timers in the market, the unit conveniently has a large and easy-to-read LED display. The screen shows the already programmed settings and the battery charge of the device.

In terms of function and efficiency, this water timer supports long watering time up to 360 minutes. It also has a durable swivel metal coupling at the bottom for quick and straightforward attachments to a water hose.

What Can Be Improved?

In terms of energy efficiency, reliability, and simplicity, the Nelson 56607 Timer is an impressive product. The only thing that could be better about this unit is its instruction manual, which isn’t very detailed. Also, the shutoff mechanism of the water timer doesn’t close entirely after cycles sometimes, which can cause leaks and flooding.

Crosofmi Digital Programmable Sprinkler Timer

Features:

• 1 second to 300 minutes watering duration
• 1 hour to 15 days watering interval
• Supports drip irrigation systems, pool filling, sprinkler controllers, and mist systems
• Large and easy to read screen with working time up to six months
• Detects low power supply to shut off the time before the battery dies
• Support manual watering without interruption irrigation programming
• Intelligent functions: rain delay mode, child lock mode
• IP65 waterproof with pneumatic sealed components to avoid leaks
• Waterproof battery case
• Reinforced nylon fiber material for impact and wear-resistant construction

What We Like

For a digital programmable system, the Crosofmi sprinkler timer comes with impressive high-end features. You can choose to use the system in manual or auto mode, and it has an intuitive and easy-to-use controller for convenience.

What we like best about the Crosofmi Digital Programmable Sprinkler Timer is the various features it offers, like a rain delay mode. It is an efficient function for saving water after a rainy day, conserving water, and avoiding overwatering the plants.

Aside from compatibility with most irrigation systems, this programmable water timer connects to misting systems and filling the pool. It has a large LED HD screen displaying the programmed water cycle. That includes the set time, watering frequency and duration, and the unit’s battery charge.

Another selling point of this sprinkler timer is the screen’s sleep mode after a few minutes, which efficiently saves battery life. The system is also waterproof and made of durable materials to withstand harsh outdoor weather conditions. It can also work well with medium water pressure.

What Can Be Improved?

This sprinkler timer has many programmable features, but it is not the most user-friendly unit in the market. Setting up the sprinkler timer will also take a while.

Homitt Programmable Water Timer

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Features:

• 1 second to 300 minutes watering duration
• 1 hour to 15 days watering frequency
• Multi-function timer: manual rain delay, child lock mode, manual mode
• Supports sprinkler irrigation systems, pet water systems, rain buckets, and drip irrigation systems
• 3-inches large screen monitor with up to six months working time
• IP65 waterproof construction
• 30% reinforced nylon material for wear and impact resistance
• Waterproof battery case with internal rubber for protection

What We Like

The Hommit Programmable Water Timer is an incredible step up from using regular water timers. It’s a high-end water timer with several features for a more efficient irrigation system.

This multi-function unit offers convenience for multiple uses, especially its rain delay feature. It has a manual rain delay button to stop the watering cycle after a rainy day, conserving water and preventing the overwatering of the plants. The unit also has a manual mode, which functions without disrupting the already set irrigation programming.

The Hommit Programmable Water Timer can work with different water pressure and is compatible with rain buckets, pet water, drip irrigation systems, and sprinkler irrigation systems. It also has a 3-inches large and easy to read LCD screen displaying the detailed irrigation programming.

In terms of function, this water timer allows one second up to 300 minutes watering duration and one day to 15 days interval. This wide range of programming options is suitable for watering various plants with different water requirements.

The system has an impressive battery life with a run time of up to six months between charges.

What Can Be Improved?

This unit from Hommit has an impressive build quality and the necessary programmable features you’d need from the best hose timer. The only downside about this system is it’s a bit challenging to set up, and the programming could be more user-friendly.

Buying Guide

There are different hose times available, and some will be better and more efficient than the others in tailoring water cycles and conserving water. Check out some vital features for getting the best hose timer.

Types of Hose Timer

There are 2 types of hose timers, with one offering more convenience than the other.

Analog Hose Timers

Analog or mechanical hose timers feature a clockwork mechanism control, which is more user-friendly and with sturdy construction. They are also the most affordable option in the market.

However, they are only suitable for less demanding garden maintenance, like watering the plants once or twice per day.

Digital Hose Timers

This type of hose timer is more advanced with an array of features and watering programs, depending on the model. Digital hose timers typically have a LED display and a controller for setting up watering frequency and duration.

This type of hose timer, however, is more complicated to use and more expensive.

Watering Coverage

The watering coverage of a hose timer will depend on the number of valves it has. Choose the ideal watering coverage of a hose timer based on the size of the property that needs irrigation. Most timers feature one or two outlets, but there are also models with three or more outputs.

A single outlet water timer is suitable for most gardens. However, multiple output hose timers offer a broader coverage ideal for expansive lawns and commercial purposes. They also provide better flexibility and control over the watering routine based on garden or lawn needs, but they may come at a higher price.

Also, some multiple output water timers can feature fully programmable outlets. Others will have one programmable outlet, and others are manual.

Watering Duration

Watering duration will depend on the garden’s needs. Plants and lawns may have different water requirements and are smart enough to get a hose timer with the flexibility to cater to those.

Most people water their gardens and lawns once a day, while others do multiple watering sessions. For that, it’s convenient to get a hose timer that allows multiple watering sessions per day. Some plants will require different watering duration, so a hose timer with a wide range of irrigation time will work best.

Most water timers can support up to 6 to 8 watering sessions per day, with a few seconds to 300 minutes of watering duration.

Sturdy and Waterproof Construction

It is essential to get a unit that has waterproof construction. The battery pack of the device should also have an efficient waterproofing design to preserve the batteries, especially when it rains.

It helps if the water timer has a sturdy build made of thick plastic or metal. That will make sure that the unit is durable enough to withstand the harsh outdoor weather conditions.

Power Source

Most power timers for outdoor use batteries for power, which usually has a run time of 4 to 6 months. The best hose timer should have a feature than notifies once the battery power hits low, whether it’s a blinking light or an app notification.

It is also ideal to choose a hose timer that can retain the programmed watering cycles while the batteries are charging. Some models also feature auto-sleep modes for the screen, which efficiently conserves battery life.

Advanced Programming

When choosing digital hose timers, advanced programming options are necessary. This feature allows customization to tailor water cycles depending on the garden, lawn, and plant requirements.

The ideal hose timer should support the programming of watering intervals, whether for several hours or days, depending on the garden needs.

Ease of Use

A user-friendly hose timer is ideal. It should be easy to set up and install. The program should be intuitive as well, something that an average household user can understand.

The corresponding app used to control the system should be simple to use and navigate if it’s a smart water timer. A detailed and precise instruction manual will also help reduce the trial and error when operating the device.

Rain Delay

A rain delay function is an efficient feature for having automatic control over the watering system. It uses the rain sensor of the water timer to skip programmed watering sessions after a rainy day. This feature helps conserve water and prevent overwatering of plants, which can drown them.

Smart Features

Another smart feature convenient to have in a hose timer is a programmable intensity of the water flow. Some timers allow different water flow levels, which helps to water different kinds of plants.

For smart hose timers, a mobile phone app and connectivity to other smart home devices are also indispensable.

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Frequently Ask Questions

Conclusion

The Orbit 58910 has it all from manual and programmable modes to rain delay for water conservation when it comes to the best hose timer.

On the other hand, all of the reviews water timers can make watering systems more efficient in their own right. Ultimately, choosing the best hose timer will depend on specific garden needs in terms of watering frequency and duration.

Last update on 2024-02-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API