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We found it easy and intuitive to use, durable, and accurate.
The Spruce
We love this feature since it provides easy access to the faucet without needing to remove the timer.
When closed, it helps protect the display and controls from the elements.
This isnt a smart timer and doesnt include any advanced features, but it does include a rain-delay button.
The Melnor AquaTimer comes with a quick disconnect fitting for your hose.PHOTO: The Spruce
Initial setup only took us about 20 minutes, which included downloading and setting up the phone app.
It even has automatic rain delays based on data it gets from the internet.
We used this hose timer to water a garden, using both the manual and automatic functions.
The Melnor AquaTimer comes with a quick disconnect fitting for your hose.PHOTO: The Spruce
It was very accurate, including both the watering duration and frequency configs.
This timer didnt leak at all, but we were a bit concerned about the plastic fittings.
Other than that, the housing and the chunky plastic dials feel very solid and durable.
This timer is easy to install, and it feels durable for the most part.
It even activates an automatic freeze delay if the ambient temperature is too low.
We found the app intuitive and feature-rich, though, so that isnt an issue.
We like the robust metal construction, but we did notice some leakage due to difficulties in tightening.
Connecting to a tee or manifold might help with that, or you could use a short hose extension.
We also decided it was important to test both dual- and single-zone hose timers.
The products we selected for testing include a variety of price points between $19 and $150.
Each hose timer was evaluated for ease of use, features, effectiveness, durability, and value.
We noted whether the tweaks were clearly marked and whether we had any difficulty recognizing or using them.
For Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled timers, we connected them and evaluated the phone apps and other smart features.
Manual hose timers, also referred to as mechanical, dont use batteries.
Theyre much simpler than electric hose timers.
Solartimershave a solar panel in addition to (or instead of) batteries.
How Strong is Your Water Pressure?
you might typically find the water pressure range in the user’s manual for your hose timer.
If you cant, then it’s possible for you to ping the manufacturer.
Mechanical timers tend to restrict water flow more than electric timers.
Attaching a splitter in addition to a hose timer can also result in reduced water pressure.
Some hose timers allow you to connect two or more hoses, dividing your yard into separate watering zones.
you might then customize the watering schedule for each zone.
Its very useful in areas where it rains a lot, because it allows you to avoid overwatering.
Smart hose timers often make it even easier, with the option to delay automatically when rain is expected.
Need toset up a vacation watering scheduleafter you have already left home?
Thats no problem with a smart hose timer.
Why Trust The Spruce?
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Orbit 62034 feels durable, with a rugged plastic shell.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Chapin 1-Zone Water Timer has a durable weather-proof cover to protect it from the rain.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Rachio Smart Timer is bulky and a little hard to install, but the app makes it very easy to use.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Raindrip R675CT Analog 3-Dial Water Timer dials are small but easy to set.PHOTO: The Spruce
The Orbit Gen 2 B-Hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer is compact with no built-in display or controls.PHOTO: The Spruce
The Orbit Gen 2 B-Hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer is compact with no built-in display or controls.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The 2Wayz Water Timer has a robust metal outlet, but the inlet is a little hard to work with.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Rainpoint 2-Zone Sprinkler Timer includes an extra gasket and some teflon tape for leaks.PHOTO: The Spruce
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