The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

The Select irrigation control from Gardena convinces most Amazon reviewers with its good workmanship (“nothing drips”) and its 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 basic advantages of this watering computer is the ability to connect a moisture sensor to make gardening watering even more efficient. In addition, the high maximum pressure, the potential three cycles and the high maximum watering duration are among the advantages of the device. In view of these pros and positive reviews, the model deserves first place in our comparison.

Similar to that Irrigation system(€ 32.95 at Amazon *) from Gardena, the high-quality WT5 watering machine 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. It is sometimes criticized that the initial programming would take a relatively long time and that the water flow through the device would be reduced. This reduction should result in a limited throwing distance of the sprinkler. A plus point is the removable and reattachable control unit. Pressure and irrigation time are lower than with our comparison winner.

Technoline is a lesser-known manufacturer, but the brand's irrigation computer is very popular with Amazon customers. 90 percent of the around 200 reviewers to date (as of November 2020) have given the device four or five stars. The watering machine should work perfectly and also 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 - in strong sunlight, the display apparently turns black. Otherwise there are almost only words of praise for the Technoline automatic irrigation system.

Purchase criteria

Art

There are simple and more complex automatic irrigation systems. With the simple variants, the mechanical watering clocks, you can usually only set the stop time set - with the electric watering clocks at least 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 irrigation computers offer a variety of functions and, above all, very precise regulation of the irrigation times and intervals as well as the amount of water.

Thread and pressure

Make sure your chosen watering timer is in harmony with your faucet in terms of thread and pressure. Most irrigation computers are compatible with threads G 3/4 (corresponds to a diameter of 26.5 millimeters) and G1 (diameter of 33.3 millimeters). As a rule, a water pressure of 0.5 to a maximum of twelve bar is supported. Would you like to use the automatic irrigation system with a Rain barrel connect, you should check whether your envisaged model is suitable for it.

Irrigation control

How precisely can the watering intervals and times be regulated? It will, of course, depend on the needs of your plants whether you absolutely need a device that gives you detailed options in terms of watering times and cycles. It is very practical when the watering computer starts and stops watering automatically. Note that mechanical watering clocks often only stop automatically. With digital machines, make sure that they have a clear and detachable display.

Useful extras

Sensor connection: A sensor connection for a humidity or rain sensor helps to optimize the automatic control of the irrigation computer.

Battery charge 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 temporarily restricted functionality of the device and thus missing or incorrect pouring.

WiFi / Bluetooth connectivity: Although this extra is not a must-have, it is quite practical, as it gives you the option of operating the automatic irrigation system simply via your smartphone.

scope of delivery

The focus is of course on the quality of the automatic irrigation system. If the scope of delivery also convinces with quality and possibly also with size, it is even better. One of the most important elements is a user manual that is as comprehensive as possible in several languages, written and translated in an understandable manner. Ideally, the battery is already included (unfortunately rare, almost the only exception forms the solar-powered irrigation computer, which is always supplied with a lithium-ion battery will!).

frequently asked Questions

What is a watering machine?

A watering machine is a garden tool that you can use to manage the Garden irrigation can automate. Whether lawns, trees, bushes, flower or vegetable beds - provide through the individual programming of the watering computer They ensure that every plant gets the right amount of water at the right time, without having to go to the watering can or yourself to the Garden hose have to grab.

What is the difference between a watering machine and a watering clock?

The watering clock is a kind of "watering automat light". Like a watering computer, it enables you to do this fully automatic watering of the garden - the regulation of watering times and cycles. However, the Water Clock does not offer as many detailed functions as the Water Computer.

How does a watering machine work?

Attach the automatic irrigation system between the tap and the garden hose and program it. It’s easy. The computer does the rest. According to the programming, he opens the valve of the tap and the water enters via Water hose to the sprinkler that quenches the thirst of the plant. Finally, the automatic closes the tap again.

Which brands offer good automatic irrigation systems?

Irrigation machines are available from several well-known garden brands, including Gardena and Kärcher. Royal Gardineer, for example, offers you inexpensive models of solid quality.

Where is the best place to buy a watering machine?

There are various points of contact for buying an automatic irrigation system. You will find what you are looking for in well-stocked hardware stores such as OBI, hagebaumarkt, toom or Bauhaus as well as in specialist garden centers à la Dehner. Depending on the season, you are sometimes lucky in supermarkets and at discount stores (Aldi, Lidl). However, you can enjoy the largest selection at Amazon.

How much does a watering machine cost?

Simple mechanical watering clocks are available from around ten euros. You usually pay at least 20 euros for an electronic watering clock. If you want a fully programmable irrigation computer, you have to calculate with 40 euros upwards. Digital irrigation 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 automatic irrigation system. Positioned and activated between the plants, it measures the current level of soil moisture at regular intervals. The data is continuously forwarded to the automatic irrigation system. This only starts watering the garden if the determined value is below the setpoint you have set.

rain sensor

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 recording the air humidity. In the event of precipitation, the watering machine stops irrigation and prevents unnecessary water consumption.