Hunter Rain-Clik Wireless Rain and Freeze Sensor (WRCLIK) Review

Our Verdict

The single largest source of wasted lawn irrigation is a controller running its programme through a rainstorm, and the reason it happens is that a timer has no idea what the weather is doing. A rain shutoff sensor closes that gap for about $92, wirelessly, without rewiring the controller — and the freeze function is the underrated half, because irrigating below freezing puts ice on pavement and does nothing for the grass. Extension guidance on watering is consistent: irrigate deeply and infrequently, in response to the lawn's need rather than a fixed schedule. A sensor does not deliver the judgement part, but it removes the worst failure mode. Two honest caveats. First, a $20 rain gauge and the discipline to check it achieves much of the same thing on a manually operated system — this earns its money on an automatic controller you are not watching. Second, some jurisdictions require a rain sensor on new automatic irrigation systems, so check your local rules before treating it as optional. At 1,492 Amazon ratings and 4.6, the hardware is not the question.