Overview
Hose timers allow you to turn on or off your garden hose without needing to be present. It is a valuable convenience for anyone who wants to keep their lawn and plants in good shape while on vacation, for anyone who works away from home frequently, or even for gardeners who want their garden to water itself so they can rest or focus on other things around the house.
If you're in the market for a new hose timer, our guide will assist you in selecting the best hose timer for your needs.
1. Best Overall – Bearbro Automatic Water Timer
2. Best Solar Powered – Netro Pixie Smart Hose Faucet Timer
3. Best Mechanical – Orbit 62034 Mechanical Watering Hose Timer
4. Best with Multiple Outlets – Orbit 56082 3-Outlet Hose Watering Timer
5. Best Budget – WAGAYI Mechanical Watering Timer
Buying Guides
1. Mechanical vs. Automatic
The first consideration is whether the hose timer should be mechanical or whether an automatic hose timer would be more beneficial to the grass and garden.
Mechanical hose timers have the advantage of being simple. Because they don't require any electricity, they won't run out of battery power mid-watering cycle. These settings usually have an easy-to-use and comprehend control dial. Automatic hose timers are made for people who want to set them and forget them. They can usually be programmed with a basic watering plan that allows the timer to effectively run on its own, watering once or twice a day as needed and shutting off the water flow when the watering period is up. These hose timers also have crisp, digital screens and can connect to smartphones or smart home gadgets via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. However, not all electronic hose timers can perform these advanced features, and they must be powered to operate.
2. Electronic vs. Solar
Hose timers that run on electricity are classified as either electronic or solar, depending on where they get their power.
Electronic hose timers require a battery to function. The majority of these items may be powered by one or two AA batteries, while certain smart hose timers may require more power to communicate through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The disadvantage of these hose timers is that they will eventually run out of batteries. To avoid this issue, look for a product that has a low-battery indicator.
Solar hose timers have a digital display and may even have some programmed functionality beyond simply setting the timer, but they obtain their energy from the sun, as the name implies. The timer has a small solar panel that should be positioned such that it receives consistent sunshine throughout the day, allowing the timer to be set without fear of running out of stored energy.
3. Smart Technology
Smart technology is a rapidly developing trend among homeowners who desire to outfit their homes with multiple interconnected devices to automate the home's functions. This technology can make hose timers more accessible via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, which should come as no surprise.
WiFi-enabled smart hose timers use the home's Wi-Fi to connect to a smartphone or smart home device. Users can set or alter the watering schedule using their phones, tablets, or even voice commands with a suitable smart home device because they can connect with several devices at the same time across a wide range.
Smart hose timers with Bluetooth connectivity offer a simpler interface that only allows them to connect to one device. Although Bluetooth isn't typically utilized with smart home devices, it is sometimes used to interact with an app so that the watering schedule can be changed from anywhere.
FAQs
1. Are all hose timers waterproof?
Although all hose timers are water-resistant, not all of them are completely waterproof. Keep in mind, though, that waterproof normally refers to the ability to be entirely submerged beneath numerous feet of water, which is a feature that a hose timer doesn't require. It just has to withstand harm from a sprinkler, hose, rain, and dripping water from the user's hands.
2. Do I need to keep my hose timers in good working order?
Hose timers should be inspected weekly or monthly, depending on how often they are used, and replaced if any leaks or cracks are discovered. Hose timers should also be removed before the cold weather arrives in order to avoid freezing and cracking.
3. How long do hose timers last?
If properly maintained, a hose timer can last one to three years before needing to be changed.
There are numerous advantages to using the best hose timer. The outside technology gives you control over your water cost and allows you to manage your water usage. The technology prevents overwatering and underwatering, and a solar hose timer can be added if desired.
