Rachio Gen 1 Vs Gen 2 : Which One You Should Buy?

Searching for automatic sprinklers is not an easy task. Water sprinklers have become more advanced in these recent years. Recently, we reviewed Rachio Gen 1 vs Rachio Gen 2 sprinklers and came up with a comparison that can help you to select from these two sprinklers for your lawns. So let’s start.

Our Verdict

Water sprinklers by Rachio are suitable products for your lawns. We can control these sprinklers through our smartphones and customize their watering time. Rain and freeze functions are the add-ons of these sprinklers that increases its functionality. For this automatic sprinkler, rebates are present, which upgrades the systems and saves a considerable amount of water from waste. Rachio provides some new features in these models, which will ease your watering task. No matter which model we choose, both of them are convenient. And you also don’t need to worry about those confusing buttons anymore. Instead, you can use your smartphones or voice command to control them. Rachio provides a plan that helps to start and stop these products as per the weather conditions. We made a few comparisons between these two models and found that they both have quite the same features. Besides these similarities, there are some unique differences which make them apart. To know what the similarities and differences of these products are? And Which outcome should you choose from these two models? These questions indeed confuse us a lot. So, follow the review below and get complete knowledge about the sprinklers.

Rachio Gen 1 Vs Gen 2 – Comparison Chart

Similarities

Though these Rachio products have many different features, still they are quite similar. Talking about the primary function, which is the same for both the products is the app support system. We tested both the products and they are quite compatible with iOS 10.3+ and Android 4.4+.

When electronic products get considered, then their Wi-Fi connectivity is the primary concern. And in that case, both Gen 1 and Gen 2 sprinklers function very well. It allows you to adjust the systems as per your needs and works smoothly.

Rachio Gen 1 and Gen 2 models are available in either 8-zone or 16-zone models. Thus these models make it convenient to customize the watering function and are suitable for huge or small households. These electronic products work well with SmartThings. Nest, Wink, and IFTTT connectivity make it easy to control functions and exercise their details. They both support Alexa and Google Assistant. Which uses voice controls and automatic system controls.

Rachio Gen 1 and Rachio Gen 2 sprinklers also provide several features such as soil and rain sensors. These functions help you to get detailed data and set sprinkler settings according to different conditions. The temperature range of both the sprinklers is the same. Both of them operate well in the field of -4°F to 140°F. They work very well for inside or outside environment. The two-year warranty also assures you about its quality and protects any defect for the first couple of years.

Differences

1. Installation

The Installation process of a water sprinkler is always an important task. Rachio Gen 1 sprinkler may be bulkier and difficult to install, but Gen 2 is quite more comfortable in this case. When you buy this water sprinkler, you can have a professional installation done.

Bottom Line: So, there is no doubt that Gen 2 is more comfortable and has an easy installation process.

2. Size

When it comes to size, both the models are quite small. But you should keep in mind their shape and size as per the place it is going to get installed. Gen 1 dimensions are 2.165″ x 7.25″ x 7.25″ and 2.7 lbs in weight. But Gen 2  has dimensions 9.25″ x 5.625″ x 1.625″ and 1.2 lbs in weight. So, Gen 1 is much bulkier than Gen 2 in case of shape and size.

Bottom Line: Thus, for shape and size, Rachio Gen 2 is the clear winner.

3. Manual Control

As for manual controls, Rachio Gen 2 has an advantage over Rachio Gen 1. As you know that both these sprinklers are automatic, so you don’t have to worry about the watering timing. But the manual controls of Gen 2 provide options like push, skip buttons, and on-unit run. Due to which you can control the water timings and water the plants whenever you need. And not as per the automatic sprinklers set schedules. It makes it convenient for you to use the system as per your wish.

Bottom Line: Manual controls give you complete control over the system. Thus Gen 2 is better than Gen 1 in the case of manual controls.

4. Outdoor Enclosure

Both these automatic sprinklers support outdoor enclosure. But they differ from each other. Both the systems have their outdoor enclosure. You can install these sprinklers outside as per your needs, but you have to choose the one which is suitable for your lawns.

Bottom Line: Both the system support outdoor enclosure, but still they have different functions. So you need to install the right one as per your need.

5. Sensors

Automatic sprinklers are in demand for their sensor features. This feature increases sprinklers capability. Rachio Gen 1 provides you with the functions of soil and rain sensor. Whereas Rachio Gen 2 provides a few more options because of which you can get detailed information about the amount of water used by the sprinkler. Gen2 sprinkler also supports both wired and wireless flow sensors. Which gives you complete information about the consumption of water.

Bottom Line: Gen 2 has some extra sensor features which apart from Gen 1 system.

Overview Of Rachio Gen 1

Rachio Gen 1 water sprinkler is a valuable model. When we compared it with the Gen 2 model, many of its features got discovered.

This sprinkler supports Smart things like Alexa and Google Home. Which makes it easy to control and use it as per your need. Because of this feature, you can set the watering system and even control it through voice commands. It also supports other smart products such as Nest, Wink etc.

Working with Smart things lessen your workload, and it quickly completes the task. Other functions, such as indoor and outdoor use, gets done. It can also get used for the outdoor enclosure, but you need to check the conditions. This system is quite comfortable because of its automation.

It has rain and soil sensor which helps you to keep a detailed record of its consumption and also to set the systems. Sensor function increases its credibility and is present in 8-zone and 16-zone models. So, it’s easy for you to choose the product as you wish.

Overview Of Rachio Gen 2

This Gen 2 is an advanced version of automatic water sprinklers. It has some advanced features which Gen 1 sprinklers also lack. It connects with ease to Smart things. It supports Alexa, Google Home and other smart home devices.

Rachio Gen 2 sprinkler supports both wired and wireless flow system. This wireless flow system feature is not supported by Gen 1, so this feature makes Gen 2 different from Gen 1. It also provides indoor and outdoor enclosure functions. It makes it easier to control and set the settings.

In the case of the installation process, Gen 2, water sprinkler is the best one to consider. It has a convenient installation process, and you can also get it installed through the professional installation. This system is also available in both 8-zone and 16-zone models. And it has a weather intelligence feature which helps to detect the weather conditions, and you can make changes in the settings option. It helps to save a considerable amount of water from wasting and also the water bills.

Gen 2 sprinkler comes with a two-year warranty policy by Rachio. It’s also better in case of shape and size from Gen 1 model. So, at last, you can state that the Gen 2 model has much better features than the Gen 1 sprinkler.

FAQs

Here in this section, we have tried to cover as much question which arises while you want to buy this Rachio water sprinklers. So, have a look and clear your doubts.

Wrap up

Now, finally, we are in the last segment of this comparison. Gen 2 is a superior choice between these two sprinklers as it has some extra features such as manual controls, easy installation, and some additional sensors.

So, it is a bit more useful and convenient. There is no discussion that both Gen 1 and Gen 2 sprinklers are great options. Rachio Gen 2 The model has some extra functions to its system. Or else Rachio Gen 1 is also a great choice.

Rachio products are, indeed, the great ones when it comes to quality. So, go ahead and make your choice that suits your requirements and your lawn the best.