One of the most essential tools for maintaining a healthy garden is a hose timer. Hose timers allow you to automate watering, ensuring your plants receive the right amount of water at the right time. In this article we will be comparing two hose timers on the gardening market; the Melnor hose timer and the Orbit hose timer. These are essential tools for efficient and effective garden watering. Hose timers, like the two above, come in various types, ranging from simple mechanical timers to advanced digital timers that allow you to program watering schedules. Let’s find out more about these two convenient water timers.
Table of Contents
Melnor vs Orbit Hose Timer: Comparison Table
| Melnor Hose Timer | Orbit Hose Timer | |
| Weight | 0.73 Pounds | 1.2 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 2.48 × 5.35 × 5.11 Inches | 3 × 7.75 × 10.25 Inches |
| Manufacturer | Melnor | Orbit |
| Model Number | 73100 | 58910 |
| Material | PVC, Metal, Rubber | PVC, Rubber |
| Number of Valves | Two | Two |
| Battery Required? | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Included? | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Type | 2 AA Batteries | 2 AA Batteries |
| Watering Frequency | Four Cycles (And Two Zones) Per Day | One Six Hour Cycle Per Day Up To The Seventh Day |
| Watering Duration | N/A | 1 to 240 Minutes |
| Human Interface Input | Easy-Touch Buttons | Dial Control |
| Number of Settings | Six | Six |
| Special Features | Large LCD Screen, Flexible Scheduling, Four Cycles For Each Watering Zone Per Day, Filter Washer, Water Two Areas From One Faucet, Rain Delay | Auto-Timed Watering, Manual Watering, Rain Delay, Water Conservation, Two Outlets |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Warranty | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
| Price | Check Price On Amazon | Check Price On Amazon |
| Melnor Hose Timer |
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| Orbit Hose Timer |
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The Key Features and Benefits of The Melnor Water Timer
The Melnor is a digital hose or water timer that allows you to control two separate watering zones. The Melnor water timer has several watering options, including manual watering, timed watering and interval watering. These features allow you to customize watering schedules to fit your specific needs. The Melnor Water timer is easy to install. It also comes with a quick connector that makes it easy to attach to your garden hose and faucet. The Melnor water timer also has a large LCD screen that displays watering schedules and settings. One of the most significant benefits of the Melnor water timer is its water-saving technology. The water timer uses a moisture sensor that detects soil moisture levels, ensuring that your plants receive the right amount of water. This feature is also a great way to save water and reduce water bills.
The Key Features and Benefits of The Orbit Hose Timer
The Orbit is also a digital hose or water timer that also allows you to control two separate watering zones. The Orbit hose timer also has several watering options, including manual watering, timed watering and interval watering just like the Melnor water timer. This feature allows you to customize watering schedules to fit your specific needs and wants. The Orbit Water timer is also very easy to install, all you have to do is attach it to your faucet and hose(s) and you’re good to go. This is made easier by the fact that it comes with a quick connector that makes it relatively easier to attach to your garden hose and faucet. It has a unique dial control mechanism that allows you to quickly switch between setting a lot faster. The Orbit water timer is designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. It has a weather-resistant cover that protects the timer from rain, snow and other elements.
Battle of The Water Timers: The Melnor vs The Orbit Water Timer
Both the Melnor and the Orbit are digital hose timers that allow you to control two separate watering zones. However, there are some key differences between the two timers. Let’s find out what those are in a battle of the features.
Melnor vs Orbit Hose Timer: Ease of Use And Installation
The Melnor water timer is easier to install than the Orbit water timer. The Melnor water timer comes with a quick connector that makes it easy to attach to your garden hose and faucet. The Orbit water timer also comes with a quick connector, but it can be challenging to attach to the faucet. In terms of ease of use, both timers are easy to use. The Melnor has a larger LCD screen than the Orbit water timer that can display watering schedules and settings thus making it easy to program and adjust schedules. However, the Orbit water timer has a simple dial control mechanism that makes it a lot easier to switch between settings, thus making the Orbit water timer somewhat easier to use than the Melnor water timer.
Melnor vs Orbit Hose Timer: Timer Accuracy And Durability
The Melnor water timer is said to be more accurate than the Orbit hose timer. The Melnor water timer uses a moisture sensor that detects soil moisture levels, ensuring that your plants receive the right amount of water. The Orbit water timer does not have a moisture sensor, which can lead to overwatering or underwatering. In terms of overall durability, both hose timers are durable and designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. However, the Orbit hose timer is overall more durable and has a weather-resistant cover that provides additional protection from the elements.
Melnor vs Orbit Water Timer: Price Comparison
The Orbit water timer is more expensive than the Melnor water timer. Even though the Melnor water timer has more advanced features, such as a moisture sensor, the Orbit hose timer is slightly more expensive due to its more robust build quality.
Melnor vs Orbit Hose Timer : Which Water Timer Is The Best For Your Needs?
The choice between the Melnor hose timer and the Orbit hose timer depends on your specific needs. If you have plants that require a more precise watering schedule then the Melnor hose timer is the best choice. Especially if you are on a budget and need a hose timer that is easier to install. However if you’re looking for something more robust, more resistant to the elements and that is also easier to use then the Orbit hose timer is a great choice.
Pros and Cons of The Melnor Water Timer
Pros
- You have multiple watering options with the Melnor water timer which makes it very versatile.
- It is very easy to install and it is in part due to the rubber washers that come with the Melnor water timer, all you do is place it on the faucet and then put your gardening hoses.
- It is slightly more affordable than the Orbit hose timer.
- The Melnor hose timer has an active filter in the inlet valve which allows it to filter out dirty water particles that may clog your garden hoses.
- It also has water-saving technology features.
- Because of the moisture sensor, you can expect accurate watering.
- It has a larger LCD screen that makes it easier to read settings.
Cons
- Although quite durable, the Melnor water timer is not as durable as the Orbit water timer.
Pros and Cons of The Orbit Water Timer
Pros
- You also have multiple watering options with the Orbit water timer.
- It is also quite easy to install but not so much as the Melnor water timer.
- It has a more durable design plastic and rubber design than the Melnor.
- You have a simple dial control mechanism for easier access to the water timer’s settings.
Cons
- It has no moisture sensor like the Melnor water timer for more accuracy.
- The Orbit water timer is slightly costlier than the Melnor water timer due to its more durable design.
- It can be more challenging to attach to a faucet than the Orbit watertimer.
The Importance of Using A Hose Timer
Using a hose timer like both the Melnor and Orbit is essential for efficient and effective garden watering. A hose timer allows you to automate watering and thus ensuring that your plants receive the right amount of water at the right time. This feature saves water and reduces water bills, so you do not have to pay extra on the water bill because you manually over watered your garden. A hose timer is perfect for days when you may not be around but still need your garden or plants watered. You simply leave the faucet on and set a timer on the hose timer. Whichever time you set on the hose timer, it will automatically open its valves at that time and close at another set time so you don’t have to worry.
How Do Water Timers Work?
Water timers work by connecting to a garden hose and faucet. They allow you to control when and how long the water flows from the faucet. Some water timers like the Melnor use moisture sensors to detect soil moisture levels, ensuring that your plants receive the right amount of water when it has depleted further into the ground. With both the Melnor and Orbit water timers, you can water two separate areas/ watering zones or gardens at the same time with equal pressure because of their two outlets.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About The Melnor And The Orbit Hose Timers
Can I Control More Than Two Watering Zones With The Melnor Water Timer?
No, both the Melnor and Orbit water timers only allow you to control two watering zones at a time. However both have other options whereby you can water as many as four watering zones, you can also purchase additional outlet attachments that let you expand the number of watering zones to as many as five.
Can I Use The Melnor Water Timer With Drip Irrigation Systems?
Yes, both water timers can be used with drip irrigation systems to help you save further on a lot of water. So in conjunction with the water timer, the irrigation system will help water your garden at set times of the day, under certain atmospheric conditions.
How Long Do The Batteries Last In The [Melnor And] Orbit Hose Timers?
The batteries in these hose timers can last up to one year. It may greatly depend on how often you use the either of the hose timers to begin with.
Can I Use The Orbit Water Timer With Hot Water?
No, neither the Melnor nor the Orbit water timers are designed to be used with hot water, therefore you should only use the water timers on faucets running cold water.
Can I Adjust The Watering Schedules Remotely?
No, none of these two hose timers have remote control capabilities. However you can easily set timers to automatically water your gardens at set times of the day when you are not around to do it manually.
Is The Orbit Water Timer Compatible With All Types of Faucets?
Yes, both the Melnor and Orbit hose timers are compatible with most standard faucets which adds to their versatility and overall usability.
Do The Melnor And Orbit Water Timers Come With A Warranty?
Yes, both these hose timers come with a one year limited warranty. So you don’t have to warranty about either of the water timers malfunctioning even after several months of use.
Conclusion
Both the Melnor and the Orbit are excellent hose timers that offer multiple watering options and easy installation. However, the Melnor water timer is more accurate and has more desirable features, such as a moisture sensor, a larger LCD screen and push buttons for a more intuitive interaction with the settings of the water timer. If you have plants that require precise watering then the Melnor water timer comes highly recommended. Especially if you are on a budget and need a timer that is also very easy to install. The Orbit hose timer on the other hand is a good choice for those looking for a simple hose timer that you can use with relative ease and is quite durable, more so than the Melnor water timer. Regardless of which water timer you choose, both are good choices because they offer their own set of features and benefits.
