Garden irrigation systems tested: Winner of the Stiftung Warentest

Stiftung Warentest tested garden irrigation systems in the May 2018 issue. Four different devices that hobby gardeners can work with were tested. The result: The most expensive garden irrigation system wins the race, while the cheapest provides only sufficient performance. We show you both the test winner and the bargain from Stiftung Warentest.

Test winner of the Stiftung Warentest: Gardena convinces with garden irrigation

Stiftung Warentest has tested four systems that can automatically water the garden. All systems are battery operated and can operate two circuits independently of each other. The experts tested the devices on a 9 × 9 m lawn. The test also included a hedge and vegetable and flowering plants. It was assessed how well the systems water and how they can be handled. For this purpose, the experts took a close look at the irrigation computer, drip hoses, drippers and nozzles, but also the sprinkler and the moisture or rain sensor.

• The Gardena garden irrigation system emerged as the test winner of the Stiftung Warentest. It impressed with the irrigation and was the only system to perform well. Stiftung Warentest praised the good workmanship and the water sockets with lids. The pop-up sprinkler stands out optically due to its size, but does not interfere with lawn care. The only disadvantage: In order for the sprinklers to build up pressure, the system has to fill completely with water. The pipes then run empty, which ultimately leads to unnecessary water loss. At 950 euros, the Gardena garden irrigation system is the most expensive product in the test.
• The garden irrigation system from Regenmeister took second place. With a price of 665 euros, the system is significantly cheaper than the test winner, but only ends moderately. Installation is a little more difficult and despite the comparatively small test garden, two computers had to be used. Advantage: With larger amounts of water, the irrigation computer reduces the water flow by about half.

Garden irrigation system in the test: cheaper, but only average

Compared to the test winner for the three other systems tested by Stiftung Warentest, it was significantly cheaper, but could only do mediocre or sufficient.

• If you want to buy a cheap device, the Regenmeister system is worth it. It is only slightly more expensive than the Kärcher system, which costs 650 euros. Added to this is the fact that the Kärcher system closes poorly and in particular the hoses are considered to be potential pitfalls. The computer is also more difficult to set up and the batteries also have to be changed frequently.
• All details of the test can be found at Test.de.

Inexpensive garden irrigation systems fail when handled

The garden irrigation system from Hornbach is a real bargain. It only costs 505 euros, but fails in the test.

• Stiftung Warentest criticized in particular that the system looked rickety and difficult to use.
• The water consumption is unnecessarily high and beds can only be watered with it to a limited extent, since no water quantities can be set for the drip pipe.

Irrigation systems from Amazon tested at CHIP.de.

The most popular irrigation systems on Amazon can be found in the CHIP picture gallery.

• We present a total of ten irrigation systems available from Amazon in our picture gallery on CHIP.de.
• Here you will find inexpensive alternatives to the garden irrigation systems with computers, which you can also use while you are away.

We will show you what you should consider when watering your plants in the next practical tip.