{"id":1703,"date":"2022-04-13T18:33:26","date_gmt":"2022-04-13T18:33:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardinator.com\/?p=1703"},"modified":"2022-05-13T10:01:19","modified_gmt":"2022-05-13T10:01:19","slug":"rachio-vs-rainmachine-smart-sprinkler-controller-comparison","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gardinator.com\/rachio-vs-rainmachine-smart-sprinkler-controller-comparison\/","title":{"rendered":"Rachio vs RainMachine: Smart Sprinkler Controller Comparison"},"content":{"rendered":"

Water conservation is a big issue all over the world, and it\u2019s becoming more critical every day. Some states in the US are offering homeowners rebates for installing smart sprinkler systems like the ones we\u2019ll be discussing in this comparison. What you\u2019re purchasing here is a controller that can automate your irrigation precisely, even responding to weather forecasts to take temperature and precipitation into account \u2013 all this without you lifting a finger. In this comparison article we will have a look at the Rachio Smart Sprinkler<\/a><\/strong> and the RainMachine Touch HD-12<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"RainMachine<\/a><\/center>
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RainMachine HD-12<\/center><\/p>\n

These sprinkler controllers try to accomplish the same goals: to save water for the planet and to save money for you. The question is which of these devices will work best in your home. Both models offer an impressive list of features from smart home connectivity to zone-specific adjustment. It\u2019s easy to control these systems through an app on your smartphone, and both are capable of interfacing with multiple weather services to aggregate the most accurate weather information available. So how do these features stack up against each other?<\/p>\n

\"Rachio<\/a><\/center>
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Rachio 8ZULW<\/center><\/p>\n

This website is supported by readers. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/p><\/strong>\r\n\r\n
\n

Smart Home Connectivity<\/h2>\n

Rachio Smart Sprinkler & RainMachine Touch HD-12<\/strong>
\nMore and more people are outfitting their homes with smart technology every day. As protocols are developed to allow various devices to communicate with one another, customers are getting to experience the convenience of smart home networks that allow voice control of everything in your home from lights to music to air conditioning. Now you can add home irrigation to that list. <\/p>\n

Both systems hook up easily to your smart home network. Whether you use Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or several other compatible network solutions, these controllers will interface seamlessly to provide you with maximum control. Control your sprinklers zone by zone from the comfort of your living room even if you left your phone in the kitchen. There\u2019s not much difference between these two models as far as this feature goes, but it\u2019s important to mention.<\/p>\n

Verdict:<\/strong> Since both models provide the same features in this category, there\u2019s no clear winner here. If you\u2019re comparing other smart sprinkler models, however, this is an important feature to look for. Even if you\u2019re not someone who utilizes a smart home network at the moment, the technology is becoming so cheap and available that you want devices with at least the potential for smart home connectivity.<\/p>\n

\"RainMachine<\/a><\/center>
\n
RainMachine HD-12<\/center><\/p>\n

Controls<\/h2>\n

Rachio Smart Sprinkler<\/strong>
\nControlling this device through a user-friendly smartphone app is easy. You can customize specific zones in your garden depending on what you have growing there, and a host of other automation options will allow you to tailor your irrigation routine to your specific needs. Keep in mind that this device (as well as its competitor) also responds to live feedback from multiple weather services. Once you set your zones up, you may be able to let your Rachio do its own thing.<\/p>\n

RainMachine Touch HD-12<\/strong>
\nJust like its competitor, this model can be controlled with a smartphone app and responds to live weather feedback via WiFi. But this unit also comes with onboard touchscreen controls. That means that you can walk right up to the device itself and program your irrigation schedule using a convenient user interface. One main advantage of the touchscreen is that you can still control the unit even if your WiFi goes down and your smartphone can\u2019t connect.<\/p>\n

\"Rachio<\/a><\/center>
\n
Rachio 8ZULW<\/center><\/p>\n

Verdict:<\/strong> Onboard controls push the RainMachine ahead in this category. While both smartphone apps are well-designed and easy to use, they\u2019ll be useless if your WiFi network goes down because they won\u2019t be able to connect with the unit. That\u2019s why the addition of onboard controls is a serious perk. Whatever is going on with your WiFi network, you\u2019ll always be able to control your smart sprinkler system with its simple touchscreen interface.<\/p>\n

Zones<\/h2>\n

Rachio Smart Sprinkler<\/strong>
\nYou can control this Rachio smart sprinkler<\/a><\/strong> up to 8 zones with this smart sprinkler system. Gone are the days when you had to go out and manually set up the sprinklers, turning them on and off and moving them depending on how much water each section of your garden needed. Simply program this device with the specific needs of each zone in your garden and let it do its work. As mentioned above, live weather information will be incorporated into its decision-making.<\/p>\n

\"RainMachine<\/a><\/center>
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RainMachine HD-12<\/center><\/p>\n

RainMachine Touch HD-12<\/strong>
\nIf you have a large and complex garden, you\u2019ll appreciate the four additional zones offered by this model. Some gardens are just too large or too diverse for eight zones, and other gardens might even benefit from a more targeted analysis that increases water efficiency. Additionally, if you plan on expanding your garden at all, you can rest easy knowing that your irrigation system can adapt to your new raised beds.<\/p>\n

\"Rachio<\/a><\/center>
\n
Rachio 8ZULW<\/center><\/p>\n

Verdict:<\/strong> It\u2019s clear that more zones equal more flexibility in the long run, whatever your garden looks like at the moment. The only consideration that might influence your decision is whether you have enough land to ever warrant more than eight zones. If a tiny backyard garden is all that\u2019s possible for you, you may not need the additional four zones. It\u2019s important to plan, though, and if there\u2019s even potential for expansion, you\u2019d do well to keep the extra capacity in your back pocket for a rainy (or not so rainy) day.<\/p>\n

\"RainMachine<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The choice to add a smart sprinkler controller to your irrigation system can save you time and money, and in a broader sense, the water conservation it facilitates can help to save our environment. There are many estimates as to how much these systems can save you, usually falling between 50% and 80%. That\u2019s a lot of water! <\/p>\n

Both of the models we examined today are well-designed and are sure to make your life a lot easier. In the end, though, the RainMachine Touch HD-12<\/a><\/strong> has the best features. With twelve zones to its competitor\u2019s eight, as well as onboard touchscreen controls to guard against WiFi emergencies, this model is your best bet.<\/p>\n

\"Rachio<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n

Smart Sprinkler Controller | Recommended<\/h3>\n\n
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\n\n \n
\n \n
\n\n Our Pick No. 1<\/span>\n \n \"Rachio\n <\/a>\n\n
\n \n Rachio 3: 8 Zone Smart Sprinkler Controller... <\/a>\n\n
\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n Check Price<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n \n
\n\n Our Pick No. 2<\/span>\n \n \"Orbit\n <\/a>\n\n
\n \n Orbit 57946 B-hyve Smart Indoor\/Outdoor... <\/a>\n\n
\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n Check Price<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n \n
\n\n Our Pick No. 3<\/span>\n \n \"Orbit\n <\/a>\n\n
\n \n Orbit B-hyve 4-Zone Smart Indoor Sprinkler... <\/a>\n\n
\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n Check Price<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Last update on 2024-04-29 \/ Affiliate links \/ Images from Amazon Product Advertising API<\/p>\n
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This website is supported by readers. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/p><\/strong><\/center>\r\n
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\r\nIf you have any questions or do you spot any mistakes, please add them below.\r\n
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Water conservation is a big issue all over the world, and it\u2019s becoming more critical every day. Some states in … <\/p>\n

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