Choosing the Best Heater for Grow Tent: All You Need to Know! (2024 Guide)

Are you looking for the best heater to optimize a successful grow tent setup? Look no further! This comprehensive guide contains all the information and tips you need to make an informed purchase decision when choosing a heater for your grow tent.

This guide provides insight into finding the most efficient and cost-effective choice to suit your needs. We review different types of heaters in the market according to their effectiveness and practicality – so read on!

Best Grow Tent Heaters for Your Indoor Growing Plants

If you need the best heater for grow tent, read our reviews carefully. Find all benefits and advantages, pros and cons to choose your ideal solution easily.

$$ – AC Infinity CLOUDLINE PRO T4, Quiet 4″ Inline Duct Fan – Best energy-saving indoor grow tent heater, with a digital thermostat to control the optimal temperature in the grow room. The energy-efficient grow tent heater offers multiple heat settings to adjust the heating method and it’s silent when working.

$ – Space Heater, 1500W Electric Heaters – Best grow tent heater for its heating capacity and easy temperature control. The electric heater features an adjustable thermostat and you can generate the heat output for your grow room. You can manage the warm air to keep the plants warmer during winter. The electric grow tent heater features overheat protection for safety features.

$ – VIVOSUN 10″x 20.75″ Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat – Best grow tent heater for its adjustable thermostat and a probe for optimal temperature range. However, the grow room heater doesn’t have the overheat protection feature, so you must check the readings regularly. The gathering heat energy could overpass the desired temperature in grow tents and damage your plants.

$ – Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Tabletop Space Heater – Best grow room heater for small spaces and a high heat reservoir. The energy-saving ceramic heater features tip-over protection so the ceramic space heater offers a consistent temperature in smaller grow rooms or grow tents. The Oscillating ceramic heater is also user-friendly for its heat settings and cool touch exterior with overheat protection.

$$ – Bio Green PAL 2.0/USDT Palma Greenhouse Heater – Best grow tent heater with a higher heating element and overheat protection. The energy-saving portable heater offers equal warmth distribution to your grow space and you can adjust settings for the exact temperature required for optimal plant growth. The grow tent heater is ideal for small grow tents.

$ – Honeywell HHF370B 360 Degree Surround Fan Forced Heater – Best grow tent heater for its protection and safety standards for your grow space. The adjustable heat settings ensure the plants cannot overheat and die due to a high temperature. It’s also powerful but limited to a small grow space, so it’s not the best solution for a large grow room.

$ – Vornado MVH Vortex Heater – Best grow room heater for its security features and overall protection from hazardous conditions. The grow tent heater saves electrical energy due to its effective and efficient system, making it the best heater for small spaces. You can use three settings – low heat, medium or hot air to generate heat and provide equal temperature to the entire room.

#1. AC Infinity CLOUDLINE PRO T4, Quiet 4″ Inline Duct Fan – Best WiFi grow tent heater

  • Brand: AC Infinity
  • Power source: corded electric
  • Recommended use: Indoor
  • Best for: low energy consumption

The AC Infinity CLOUDLINE PRO T4 grow tent heater is a high-quality 4” inline duct fan that offers superior performance with its quiet operation and energy efficiency. The grow tent heater is designed to ventilate hydroponic grow rooms, transfer heating/cooling, cool AV closets, and exhaust projects.

One of the significant advantages of this grow tent heater is its quiet operation. Even at high speeds, the noise level remains minimal, allowing for a peaceful indoor environment. It’s also energy-efficient, which means the grow heater won’t significantly impact your electricity bills even with continuous use. Additionally, the speed controller and temperature probe provide an added layer of control over the heater’s operation, ensuring optimal performance under varying conditions.

However, the CLOUDLINE PRO T4 grow tent heater isn’t without its downsides. Some customers have reported difficulties with the installation process due to unclear instructions. Also, there have been a few complaints about the durability of the grow tent heater, with some units failing after just a few months of use.

Overall, the AC Infinity CLOUDLINE PRO T4 heater for a grow tent offers excellent value for its price with its quiet operation and energy efficiency. However, potential buyers should be aware of the possible installation difficulties and durability concerns.

Pros
  • The quiet operation even at high speeds
  • Energy-efficient, reducing the impact on electricity bills
  • Comes with a speed controller and temperature probe for better control
Cons
  • Installation is tricky due to unclear instructions
  • Questionable durability as some units failed after a few months of use

#2. Aikoper Space Heater, 1500W Electric Heaters – Best for an adjustable grow space

  • Brand: Aikoper
  • Power source: corded electric
  • Recommended use: indoor
  • Best for: portable heater design

The Aikoper 1500W Electric Space Heater is a compact and powerful heating solution for those cold winter days. Its small size makes it perfect for use in various settings, from your home office to your bedroom or living room. The space heater is also ideal for your smaller grow tent, as it keeps your indoor plants healthy and warm during the winter. 

One of the biggest advantages of the space heater is its powerful output. Despite its compact size, the space heater can quickly warm up a medium-sized room, making it an efficient choice for heating. The adjustable thermostat allows for precise control over the temperature, ensuring your comfort at all times. Moreover, the space heater features a safety auto shut-off function that prevents overheating, providing peace of mind.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The space heater’s fan can be quite noisy, which could be an issue if you’re using it in a quiet environment. Also, while the space heater is generally easy to use, the controls can be somewhat confusing initially.

The 1500W Electric Space Heater offers powerful and efficient heating in a compact package. Its performance and safety features make it a worthy consideration for anyone looking to stay warm during the colder months.

Pros
  • Powerful output capable of quickly heating a medium-sized room
  • Adjustable thermostat for precise temperature control
  • Safety auto shut-off function prevents overheating
Cons
  • The fan is noisy, particularly disturbing in quiet environments
  • Controls are confusing to use initially

#3. VIVOSUN 10″x 20.75″ Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat – Best water-resistant grow tent heater

  • Brand: Vivosun
  • Power source: corded electric
  • Recommended use: indoor
  • Best for: adjustable thermostat

The VIVOSUN Space Heater and Digital Thermostat is a fantastic electric heater for anyone looking to start seeds indoors. The space heater, which fits perfectly under standard seed trays, provides consistent, gentle warmth that encourages germination and root growth. The space heater is easy to set up and use, with the digital thermostat allowing precise control over temperature.

The electric heater for a grow room includes a probe that you place in the soil to get an accurate reading. It’s also waterproof, which is a great bonus for gardeners. The electric heater is sturdy, meaning it can withstand heavy pots without any issues.

However, there are two cons that potential buyers need to be aware of. The thermostat occasionally gives off inaccurate readings, which might require manual checking. Also, the electric heater tends to get too warm if not monitored closely. Indoor growers should regularly check the heat inside the grow tent and adjust the settings for safety features to prevent overheating. For this reason, you should consider the AC infinity electric heater as your top choice. 

To sum up, the VIVOSUN 10″x 20.75″ Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat is a solid choice for indoor gardeners, with a few minor issues that can be easily managed.

Pros
  • Encourages germination and root growth
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Precise temperature control with digital thermostat>/li>
  • Waterproof thermostat
  • Sturdy construction
Cons
  • Occasional inaccurate readings from the thermostat
  • The mat gets too warm if not monitored closely

#4. Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Tabletop Space Heater – Best for ceramic plate & high heating mode

  • Brand: Lasko
  • Power source: corded electric
  • Recommended use: indoor
  • Best for: user-friendly construction

The Lasko Ceramic heater is a compact and efficient heating solution for small to medium-sized rooms. Its oscillation feature ensures even heat distribution, while the ceramic heating element provides consistent warmth.

One of the key advantages of this small space heater is its user-friendly controls. The small space heater has an adjustable thermostat and multiple heat settings, allowing you to customize your comfort levels. The built-in safety features, including overheat protection and a cool-touch exterior, are also commendable.

The Lasko ceramic heater is also durable and reliable for extended uses. The grow room heater uses sturdy and solid construction to last for an extended time and serve you robustly. However, indoor growers should check the adjustable thermostat’s temperature range to ensure the plants’ best growing conditions. 

On the other hand, there are some downsides to consider. The fan can be a bit noisy, which might be bothersome in quiet spaces. Additionally, while the grow room heater is effective in smaller rooms, it struggles to heat larger areas adequately. The ceramic heater is the best solution for smaller grow tents (2×2 feet) but not for larger grow rooms. 

The Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Heater is a good choice for those seeking a portable, easy-to-use small space heater. It’s not the quietest or most powerful ceramic heater on the market, but its safety features and user-friendly design make it a worthy contender.

Pros
  • Compact and portable
  • Oscillating feature for even heat distribution
  • User-friendly controls
  • Built-in safety features
Cons
  • Noisy fan
  • For small spaces

#5. Bio Green PAL 2.0/USDT Palma Greenhouse Heater – Best portable heater

  • Brand: Biogreen
  • Power source: corded electric
  • Recommended use: indoor
  • Best for: even distribution of warm air

The Bio Green grow room heater is a robust and efficient heating solution designed specifically for greenhouses, grow tents, and grow rooms. This compact grow room heater is praised for its power and energy efficiency, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain optimal temperatures in their grow tents.

The grow room heater boasts a Thermo 2 digital thermostat that allows for precise temperature control. It’s also very safe to use, featuring a splash-proof design rated at IPX4. The impressive air circulation capacity of 163 m³/h ensures even heat distribution across your grow space.

Despite its compact size, the Palma Greenhouse Heater can warm up to 120 square feet, making it suitable for small to medium-sized grow tents (2×2 feet). Its sturdy housing ensures durability, while the cable length of 1.9m provides flexibility in placement.

The grow room heater has two disadvantages to pay attention to. The price may concern some, as it’s positioned at the higher end of the market. Additionally, its effectiveness in larger grow rooms is not high, as the smaller design fits well only in small spaces. 

In conclusion, the Bio Green grow room Heater is a powerful, compact, and energy-efficient heater that’s well-suited to grow tents smaller and grow rooms.

Pros
  • Powerful and energy-efficient
  • Compact and sturdy design
  • Thermo 2 digital thermostat for precise control
  • Safe to use with IPX4 splash-proof rating
Cons
  • It is costly for some budgets
  • Not effective in larger grow tents & grow rooms

#6. Honeywell HHF370B 360 Degree Surround Fan Forced Heater – Best rotational grow tent heater

  • Brand: Honeywell
  • Power source: corded electric
  • Recommended use: indoor
  • Best for: tip-over protection

The Honeywell HHF370B 360 Degree Surround Fan Forced Heater is a versatile and efficient grow tent heater that offers full-room warmth. Its 360-degree design ensures heat is distributed evenly across the room, providing a comfortable environment during colder months.

One of the significant advantages of this grow tent heater is its two heat settings and adjustable thermostat, which allow for personalized comfort. It also features a fan-only setting, making it useful even in warmer seasons. The safety features enhance its appeal, including an automatic shut-off system if tipped over and overheating protection. The grow tent heater cannot damage the plants by overheating, as it has advanced safety standards. 

The heater’s small footprint and carrying handle make it highly portable and easy to store when not in use. Its quiet operation is another plus, ensuring minimal disruption during use.

However, there are some areas where the grow room heater falls short. It might not be powerful enough for larger grow rooms, limiting its effectiveness to smaller spaces and smaller grow tents. Also, some users report that the thermostat is not always accurate, which could lead to inconsistent heating.

The Honeywell HHF370B 360 Degree Surround Fan Forced Heater is a compact and versatile grow tent heater that provides excellent heat distribution for small to medium-sized grow rooms.

Pros
  • 360-degree heat distribution
  • Two heat settings and an adjustable thermostat
  • Safety features including tip-over and overheat protection
  • Quiet operation
  • Portable and easy to store
Cons
  • Not powerful enough for larger rooms
  • Inaccurate thermostat readings at times

#7. Vornado MVH Vortex Heater – Best efficient heating technology

  • Brand: Vornado
  • Power source: corded electric
  • Recommended use: indoor
  • Best for: adjustable settings

The Vornado MVH Vortex Heater is a high-performance heater that employs vortex air circulation to distribute heat evenly throughout your space. Its compact design and superior heating capability make it an excellent choice for those seeking to heat small to medium-sized grow tents (2×2 or 3×3 feet grow tent modes). 

One of the main benefits of the grow tent heater is its three heat settings (750W, 1125W, and 1500W) that allow for energy-efficient operation. The adjustable thermostat ensures personalized comfort by maintaining a balanced grow room temperature.

In terms of safety, the Vornado MVH does not disappoint. It comes with an automatic safety shut-off system that cuts power to the unit if excessive heat is detected and a tip-over protection feature.

Despite its strong points, the grow room heater has two main drawbacks. Some users have reported that it can be a bit noisy, particularly in the highest setting. Also, while it’s excellent for smaller rooms, it may struggle to heat large spaces effectively.

To summarize, the Vornado MVH Vortex Heater is a solid, energy-efficient grow tent heater ideal for a small to medium grow space. It might not be the quietest or most potent option, but its safety features and efficient heating technology make it a worthy contender.

Pros
  • Vortex air circulation for even heating
  • Three heat settings for energy efficiency
  • Adjustable thermostat for personalized comfort
  • Safety features including automatic shut-off and tip-over protection
Cons
  • It is quite noisy in the highest setting
  • It does not heat larger rooms effectively

How to Choose the Best Grow Tent Heaters for Healthy Indoor Vegetation?

A suitable heater is essential when it comes to maintaining the right temperature in your grow tent. The image below describes 8 important factors to consider when looking for the best heater for a grow tent.

How to Choose the Best Grow Tent Heaters

The list below goes into detail about each factor:

  • Size of your grow tent: The size of your grow tent will determine the power you need from your heater. Larger tents require more powerful heaters. Check the product description for details on how much space the heater can effectively warm.
  • Energy efficiency: Look for the best heater with energy-efficient features like multiple heat settings or an adjustable thermostat. Multiple heat settings allow you to control the temperature accurately and save on energy costs.
  • Safety features: Safety is paramount when choosing the best heater. Features like automatic shut-off, tip-over protection, overheating protection, and cool-touch exteriors are important to prevent accidents.
  • Heat distribution: Heaters with fan-forced or convection heating can distribute heat evenly throughout the tent. Some models use oscillation or a 360-degree design to achieve equal heat distribution.
  • Noise level: Noise is a concern if your grow tent is in a living area. Many heaters advertise their decibel levels or describe their noise output in the product description.
  • Durability: Look for sturdy heaters that can withstand a grow tent’s humid environment. Also, check product reviews to see if other customers have had issues with the heater’s longevity.
  • Portability: If you need to move your heater around, look for lightweight models with carry handles. If your grow tent heater has wheels, moving around and managing is even easier.
  • Price: Your budget is always a consideration. More expensive heaters often have additional features or better build quality, but many affordable options perform well.

What Are the Main Types of Grow Tent Heaters?

5 main types of grow tent heaters are available, including:

  1. Ceramic heaters: These heaters use a ceramic element to generate heat, typically including a fan to distribute the warm air. Ceramic heaters are energy-efficient and safe to touch.
  2. Infrared heaters: Infrared heaters generate heat through infrared light, which is absorbed by objects and surfaces in the room rather than the air.
  3. Oil-filled heaters: Oil-filled heaters use an electrical current to heat oil within the unit, radiating the heat outwards. They’re efficient and quiet but take longer to warm up a space.
  4. Fan heaters: Fan heaters work by blowing air over a hot element. They heat a room quickly but dry out the air in your grow tent, which could negatively impact your plants. Dry air causes plants to lose moisture through the leaves, leading to dryness and wilting.
  5. Tube heaters: These heaters work well in small, enclosed spaces like grow tents. They provide gentle, even heat and are energy-efficient.

The image below briefly describes the 5 main types of grow tent heaters.

5 main types of grow tent heaters

What Are the Main Advantages and Disadvantages of Grow Tent Heaters?

Grow tent heaters are essential tools to keep optimal temperatures in grow tents, especially during cold months. However, they have advantages and disadvantages to consider. The image below briefly describes the pros and cons of grow tent heaters.

Pros of Grow Tent Heaters

The 4 main advantages of grow tent heaters include:

  • Temperature control: Heaters provide a controlled environment for your plants to grow by maintaining a consistent temperature, which is crucial for plant development without overheating and killing plants.
  • Preventing frost damage: Heaters prevent damage to your plants from frost and cold temperatures, helping ensure a successful yield and green vegetation.
  • Extending growing season: A heater extends your growing season into the colder months or even year-round. By using heaters, you maintain optimal temperature when it’s cold outside and prevent cold damage and frost.
  • Promoting healthy growth: Certain plants including watermelons, peppers and tomatoes require warm conditions to germinate and grow. By providing warm conditions, a heater can promote healthy growth.

Cons of Grow Tent Heaters

The 4 crucial disadvantages of grow tent heaters include:

  • Energy usage: Heaters consume a significant amount of electricity, increasing your utility bills.
  • Overheating risk: If not properly monitored, heaters cause overheating, damaging and killing your plants.
  • Air dryness: Some types of heaters (ceramic, fan, and electric heaters without built-in humidifiers) dry out the air in your grow tent, negatively affecting your plants and requiring a humidifier to correct. Such grow tent heaters reduce humidity, and heat an element inside the heater. The element then heats the air around, increasing warmth and drying vegetation.
  • Safety concerns: If not used properly, heaters pose a fire risk. The risks include overheating of nearby electrical components, ignition of nearby objects, accumulation of loose dirt and dust blocking vents, water exposure to hydroponic reservoirs, or tipping over. It’s crucial to use heaters with safety features such as tip-over protection, cool touch exterior, or overheat protection and never leave them unattended.

Is It Safe to Run a Heater in a Grow Tent?

Yes, it is safe to run a heater inside your grow tent. Grow tent heaters do not cause any damage to indoor plants; instead, the grow room heaters keep the vegetation warm and healthy during winter. However, you should provide optimal conditions for full plant growth.

Firstly, avoid heaters with heating elements that burn up humidity as they disrupt the balance of your grow tent’s environment (they can add more warmth and burn plants). Secondly, ensure there is adequate air movement and equal air distribution within the tent to normalize temperature throughout the grow space and prevent the burning of plants.

Ceramic heaters are often recommended for small grow spaces (2×2 feet) as they’re similar to fan heaters but safer and more energy-efficient. Meanwhile, the warmth of electric heaters is balanced using an air conditioner to prevent overheating.

Can Normal Room Heaters Be Used for Grow Tents?

Yes, normal room heaters can be used for grow tents, but you should use an electric heater specifically created for tents with thermostats. Thermostats are important as you can get precise temperature readings and adjust the heater settings according to the readings (to increase or decrease heat to keep the plants healthy).

Room heaters are generally designed to heat larger spaces, so they might be too powerful for a small grow tent. This could lead to overheating or drying out your plants.

How to Calculate Recommended Heater Coverage for Grow Tents?

The table shows the guidelines for grow tent heater coverage based on the grow tent size.

Grow Tent Size (ft)Recommended Heater Coverage (Watts)
2×2100 – 200 W
3×3200 – 300 W
4×4300 – 400 W
2×4200 – 300 W
4×8600 – 800 W
8×81200 – 1600 W

Where to Put a Heater in Grow Tent?

Place the grow tent heater outside the grow room to warm up the surrounding air, or direct them towards the intake. Use the oil-filled radiator if you must place a grow tent heater inside your grow room. Ensure it doesn’t point towards the plants to prevent their burning.

How to Maintain Grow Tent Heaters?

Maintaining grow tent heaters ensures optimal temperature inside the grow room and healthy growth of indoor growing plants. The image below describes 6 ways to maintain grow tent heaters.

Follow 6 main steps to maintain your grow room heaters:

Clean heaters regularly: Dust and dirt accumulate on heaters over time, making them less efficient and blocking vents. The blocked vents prevent the heater from dissipating the heat properly, leading to overheating and fire.

Place heaters properly: Placing your heater correctly within your grow tent is crucial. Place them to ensure even heat distribution and prevent direct contact with plants or flammable materials.

Monitor temperature: Monitor the temperature regularly inside your grow tent to prevent overheating or underheating. Adjust the heater settings as necessary to maintain optimal growing conditions. Increase or decrease the warmth to ensure proper temperature and humidity to prevent dryness.

Insulate grow tents: Insulate your grow tent as much as possible to keep the heat inside and reduce the workload on your heater. Use foam board, reflective insulation foil, bubble wrap, reflective Mylar, or thermal bubble roll to keep the temperature constant inside the tent.

Use a thermostat: A thermostat maintains a consistent temperature in your grow tent by automatically turning the heater on and off as needed when the temperature rises or falls.

Check heaters regularly: Check your heater often for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Replace your heater if you notice strange noises or smells.

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Ben Bareja

Ben Bareja, the owner-founder-webmaster of CropsReview.com. This website was conceptualized primarily to serve as an e-library for reference purposes on the principles and practices in crop science, including basic botany. Read more here

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