Gardena Select vs Hozelock Sensor Controller Plus: Which to Buy (2026)
We compare two popular tap timers on amazon.es: the Gardena Select 1891-20 and Hozelock Sensor Controller Plus, with pros and cons.
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Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change.
A tap timer is the simplest way to keep your garden, patio, or vegetable plot watered without checking every day, and two of the most searched models on amazon.es are the Gardena Select 1891-20 and the Hozelock Sensor Controller Plus. Both screw directly onto the tap, run on batteries, and need no Wi-Fi or app, but they take different approaches. Here we compare them based on their specifications and user reviews to help you choose.
In short: the Gardena Select is the better option if you want detailed control over when and how much you water, while the Hozelock Sensor Controller Plus is built for set-and-forget use because its light sensor waters only at dawn and dusk.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gardena Select 1891-20 | Flexible, precise scheduling | View |
| Hozelock Sensor Controller Plus | Automatic watering at dawn and dusk | View |
Gardena Select 1891-20
Gardena Select 1891-20
The most complete timer of the two: it lets you create up to three independent watering programs per day and adjust duration from 1 minute to nearly 8 hours. A good choice if you have several zones or plants with different needs.
The Select is controlled with a rotary dial and an LCD screen that shows all the data at a glance. It connects directly to the tap (26.5 mm or 33.3 mm thread) and works from 0.5 bar pressure, so it suits both mains water and simple setups. It includes a manual watering position and, according to user reviews, its strength is how easy it is to set each zone with the frequency and duration you want.
A useful detail is safe-stop technology: if the 9 V battery is too low to complete a watering cycle, the unit will not start, so you avoid a half-finished run. It is also compatible with the Gardena soil moisture sensor, so it can skip watering when the soil is already wet.
Pros
- Up to 3 independent watering programs per day
- Watering duration from 1 minute to nearly 8 hours
- Safe-stop technology with a low battery
- Compatible with the Gardena soil moisture sensor
- LCD screen and rotary dial that are easy to use
Cons
- You set schedules manually; it does not adjust on its own
- Uses a 9 V battery that is not included
Hozelock Sensor Controller Plus
Hozelock Sensor Controller Plus
The option for people who want to install it and forget about it. Its light sensor detects dawn and dusk and activates watering at those times, adapting to the season without reprogramming throughout the year.
The Sensor Controller Plus waters once or twice a day with preset durations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 minutes, and frequency ranges from once a week to every day. The big difference from the Gardena is that natural light sensor: instead of setting a fixed time, it waters during the coolest hours automatically, which is when less water evaporates. It also has a "Water now" function for instant watering between 10 and 60 minutes.
It screws onto a standard tap with adapters for 21 mm, 26.5 mm, or 33.3 mm, uses two AA batteries (with a low-battery indicator), and is fully compatible with water butts, which is practical if you water from a barrel or rain collector. According to user reviews, it is comfortable precisely because it needs little setup.
Pros
- Light sensor: waters automatically at dawn and dusk
- Adapts to the season without reprogramming
- Preset durations from 2 to 60 minutes
- Compatible with water butts
- Water now function for instant watering
Cons
- Less flexible on schedules and durations than the Gardena
- Uses 2 AA batteries that are not included
Which one to buy?
The decision depends on how much control you want. If you have a garden with several zones, pots, and plants with very different needs, or you simply like fine-tuning watering to the minute, the Gardena Select 1891-20 is the most versatile and scales best over time.
Check price on AmazonIf what you want is peace of mind and a system that picks the best time to water all year, the Hozelock Sensor Controller Plus is the most convenient option, especially on patios and small vegetable plots or if you water from a water butt.
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Do they work without Wi-Fi or an app? Yes. Both are standalone timers that run on batteries and are configured on the unit itself, with no internet connection or app required.
What tap thread do I need? The Gardena Select connects to taps with 26.5 mm (G 3/4) and 33.3 mm (G1) threads. The Hozelock includes adapters for 21 mm (1/2"), 26.5 mm (3/4"), and 33.3 mm (1"), so it fits most garden taps.
Do they work if I water from a water butt? The Hozelock Sensor Controller Plus is compatible with water butts. The Gardena Select needs at least 0.5 bar pressure, so with a gravity-fed butt you should check that minimum pressure is reached.
Which is better if I want to forget about watering on vacation? The Hozelock, thanks to its light sensor, waters automatically at dawn and dusk and adapts to the season without any changes. The Gardena offers more control, but you need to set the programs correctly before you leave.