Best Heaters For Grow Tents
A grow tent heater gives you more control over your plants’ growing environment. So you can enjoy robust crops and healthy yields. Here we’ll look at some of the best models for different sized tents, as well as how to choose the perfect grow tent heater for your setup...
Great all-rounder at a reasonable price. Discreet and petite yet powerful heater.
Powerful heater that won’t run up huge energy bills. Multiple heat settings, 700, 800 and 1500W.
Affordable, durable and easy to use heater to grow a small number of plants. Accurate thermostat.
Power and cost-effectiveness at an affordable price. Very low maintenance.
High-performance heater at a relatively affordable price. Can heat up to 450 square feet.
Practically anyone with a small tent and a small budget. Ceramic heater gets hot fast and cools quickly.
Affordable, durable and easy to use heater to grow a small number of plants. Highly accurate thermostat.
High-spec heater not suitable for all budgets. Able to heat up to 300 square feet.
Hard-wearing will stand up to years of use. Powerful air circulation for distribution of warm.
For budget conscious growers with little usable space. Silent operating for maximum discretion.
Contents
Benefits Of A Grow Tent Heater
Using a grow tent provides you with more control over your growing conditions. But the ambient in the space surrounding your tent may be prone to fluctuations that can compromise your results.
When temperatures get too low, it can result in serious trouble for your plants. When plants fall below 60°F (15°C) it can place a lot of strain on them, and even make them more susceptible to molds and fungi.
A grow tent heater is a great way to exert more control over the growing environment and fit with your grow tent setup. Heat can protect your plants from dips in temperature, which might compromise their growth.
Heaters are a great addition to your grow room if there's no extra heat coming into the room. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your grow lights will put out enough temperature. Especially if you live in a territory that’s prone to bouts of cold weather.
Features To Look For On A Grow Tent Heater
There are many, many grow tent heaters on the market today. How do you know which is the best choice for your setup?
Consumption
One of the most important is power consumption. Heaters can run at upwards 1500W, and as such, you can expect the wrong heater to add some real sting to your next energy bill.
Broadly speaking, the higher the wattage, the higher you can expect your bills to be, so opt for an energy-efficient model for future savings.
Type Of Heat
You’ll also need to consider the type of heat they provide. Do they only provide stationary heat? That may be fine for smaller tents but problematic for larger tents. Fan-assisted heaters will distribute heat more evenly across larger spaces.
Temperature Regulation
There is also the matter of temperature regulation. Does the heater have redundancies such as thermistors and thermal fuses to prevent power surges? Does it have a digital interface that takes the guesswork out of setting the perfect temperature?
Safety
How safe is the heater? What safety features enable it to provide you with peace of mind while you operate it?
At the very least, it should have an automatic shutoff to avoid overheating.
Ideally, it should also be made of robust materials and have a low center of gravity to avoid tipping over.
A heater with a timer is also beneficial because you can program it o shut off after a specific time. This makes for a safer growing environment and lower energy bills.
Best Heater For Small Grow Tents Reviews
Let’s take a look at some models of grow tent heaters that we recommend. Any of the following is suitable for a grow tent of 4’x4’ or less.
Vornado MVH Vortex Heater With Adjustable Thermostat
Best For: Anyone looking for a great all-rounder at a reasonable price.
This discreet and petite yet powerful heater from Vornado provides very decent distribution using vortex air circulation. It is designed for use in small to medium sized grow tents and rooms.
While this is an affordable model, it offers a range of useful features including safety switches which kick in when the unit is tipped or starts to overheat. It also has a cool-touch exterior and a carry handle for easy portability, even when in use.
The unit has 3 different heat settings 3 quiet heat settings (Low/750W, Medium/1125W, High/1500W) to allow you to find the perfect sweet spot between heat output and energy consumption. Yet, while there’s a built-in thermostat you will need to use as thermometer with this one as it has no digital display.
Pros
- Energy efficient.
- Good value for money.
- Cool touch exterior.
- Good safety features.
- 5 Year Warranty and good customer support.
Cons
- Some users report a weird smell coming from the unit.
- No digital display.
Lasko Ceramic Heater With Adjustable Thermostat
Best For: Those looking for a cheap and effective way to heat their space that’s safe and easy to use.
This oscillating heater allows those with small grow tents to get even and effective distribution of warm air to all of their plants, while the ceramic plate means that the unit heats up and cools down very quickly with a maximum 1500 wattage.
Light (just 4lbs) and portable with a built-in carry handle, it’s easy to use inside or outside of your grow tent. The exterior remains cool to the touch even after hours of use, and overheat protection means you can use it all day long with complete peace of mind.
The interface is easy to use and there are 3 settings to choose from Low Heat, High Heat and Fan Only. However, the simple interface does not contain a digital readout so you’ll need to add a thermometer to your setup to ascertain the exact temperature. However, the unit is self-regulating so you can be sure that once you’ve reached the desired temperature, it will remain consistent no matter how long you use it.
Pros
- Widespread oscillation allows for even distribution of warm air.
- Adjustable thermostat puts you in control of the temperature.
- Overheat protection.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Some users report an odd smell in early use that goes away eventually.
- Lack of digital interface means you’ll need a thermometer.
Honeywell HCE200W UberHeat Ceramic Heater
Best For: Practically anyone with a small tent and a small budget.
If you’re looking for a small, light and portable unit that nonetheless offers impressive output, this entry by Honeywell checks all the right boxes. Because it is a ceramic heater, it gets hot fast but cools quickly, and the cool-touch case means you can move it around even when it’s switched on.
Because it’s small, discreet and quiet it’s great for grow tents in small growing spaces.
Its impressive 1500W maximum output belies its size, and the non-slip rubber feet reduce the risk of you kicking it over while you’re checking on your plants.
What’s more, the unit has 360 degree tip protection. So if it tips over at any angle, it will shut down automatically. There are also 2 mechanisms which will switch off the unit when it is in danger of overheating.
The only thing missing from this unit is a digital display to check the exact temperature.
Pros
- Small and highly portable.
- 360 degree tip protection.
- Highly cost efficient.
- Powerful 1500W output.
Cons
- No digital display, you might need a thermometer.
VIVOSUN Seedling Heat Mat
Best For: Those looking for an affordable, durable and easy to use heater to grow a small number of plants or use within a grow cabinet.
This heat mat from VIVOSUN has a digital thermostat which allows you complete control over the temperature in your soil for optimal growing conditions.
It’s highly energy efficient at 120 Volts/60 HZ/8.3 max Amps/max Wattage 1,000W, and MET Standard Compliant so you can use it with complete peace of mind.
Position your plants atop this mat and it will help you to achieve the sweet spot for optimal growth (10-20°F above the ambient air temperature). With only 3 controls, the thermostat is extremely easy to use, and setup is simple, even for those who have never grown before.
The mat itself is IP67 waterproof and can withstand extremes of temperature, while the thermostat has been impact and vibration testes, meaning that both can handle whatever circumstances throw at them.
At 10" x 20.75" it’s just the right size for a standard 1020 tray, although depending on how many plants you want to grow at once, you may need to invest in more than one.
Pros
- Highly accurate thermostat for easy temperature control.
- Excellent heat distribution.
- Rugged and water-resistant design that wipes clean after use.
- Both the mat and the thermostat are built to last.
- Excellent customer service.
Cons
- It's very small, best suited for seedlings and clones.
Heat Wave 1000W Convector Baseboard Heater
Best For: Any budget conscious grower with little usable space.
This cost-effective and petite heater is suitable for all kinds of indoor spaces. It's more than adequate to heat a 4x4 grow tent or less. It has thermal protection so it will shut off if it gets too hot, and there are two heat settings with 500W and 1000W outputs.
There’s also a tip-over safety switch which will cut off power to the unit should you accidentally nudge it over.
This unit has no fan built-in. So, while you may enjoy the quiet and discretion that it offers, you may want to supplement it with an oscillating fan to ensure even distribution of warm air around your grow tent.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Adjustable thermostat.
- Good safety features.
- Silent operating for maximum discretion.
Cons
- No digital readout, so you will need a thermometer.
- No fan.
Best Heater For Larger Grow Rooms Reviews
While the performance requirements will be fairly similar for a large grow tent, the output and air circulation may need to be a little more robust. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some grow tent heaters that can be used for larger tents.
DeLonghi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater 1500W
Best For: Those who want a powerful heater for their large tent that won’t run up huge energy bills.
Don’t be put off by the fact that this DeLonghi heater uses oil. The oil system is permanently sealed so you’ll never need to worry about getting your hands dirty or your plants coming into contact with oil.
Plus, it’s really easy to use and install, although weighing in at 23lbs, it might not be the easiest to lug up multiple flights of stairs.
The heater is designed with a few useful features. There are multiple heat settings- Min - 700W, Mid - 800W, Max - 1500W.
Although if you want to find out the exact temperature, you’ll need a thermometer as this unit has no digital interface.
Those living in cold climates will be pleased to learn that there’s an anti-freeze setting which turns the unit on automatically when the ambient temperature drops below 44 degrees F. Because exposure to freezing temperatures can kill cannabis plants instantly, this can quite literally save your plants’ lives.
It also allows you to cut your energy costs by automatically maintaining the optimal temperature and power settings. There’s a thermal cut-off to prevent overheating and a cable tidy to prevent trip hazards. However, because the unit is fairly tall, there may be a slight risk of tipping over.
Pros
- Adjustable thermostat with multiple heat settings.
- Energy saving features.
- Fully assembled and maintenance free.
- Durable and rust resistant.
Cons
- Fairly heavy ar 23lbs. May limit where the unit can be placed.
- No digital interface.
Mr. Heater F274800 Propane Heater
Best For: Those who want the power and cost-effectiveness of propane at an affordable price.
If you’re comfortable handling and using propane you won’t have any trouble with this unit from Mr. Heater. If you’re unfamiliar with propane, however, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the instructions and only use manufacturer approved accessories.
As we stated previously, propane has the advantage of being highly cost-effective and very low maintenance once it’s up and running. And this unit provides up to 220 hours of continuous heating for spaces of up to 450 square feet. More than enough for most large grow tents.
This robust unit has good build quality and some excellent safety features, including an auto shut off if the unit is tipped over, the pilot light goes out, or low oxygen levels are detected. The unit can produce output between 4,000-18,000 BTU and the simple interface provides easy heat adjustment. However, this unit does not have a digital readout, so you’ll need a thermometer to see the exact temperature within your tent.
Pros
- Clean burning.
- Capable of heating spaces up to 450 square feet.
- Auto shutoff.
- Integrated fan.
- Good value for money.
Cons
- Not everyone is comfortable using and handling propane.
- Not suitable for 24x7 use.
Stiebel Eltron Wall Mounted - 120V 1500W Electric Fan Heater
Best For: Those looking for a high-performance heater they can use in a big grow room.
This sturdy, sleek and relatively light (weighing in at just 8 lbs) offers great performance at a relatively affordable price. It’s very quiet, too, offering discretion to those who need it.
Because it’s designed for home use, it should be more than capable of heating any large grow room.
It combines great performance with easy adjustability thanks to the built-in thermostat.
There’s even a booster mode which allows you to increase heat output for up to an hour. Furthermore, the frost protection feature ensures that it will kick in when the temperature drops low enough to damage your plants.
Pros
- Clean burning.
- Capable of heating spaces up to 450 square feet.
- Auto shutoff.
- Integrated fan.
- Good value for money.
Cons
- Not everyone is comfortable using and handling propane.
- Not suitable for 24x7 use.
DeLonghi Convector Panel Heater 1500W
Best For: Those who want a high-spec heater and are prepared to pay for it.
It's able to heat up to 300 square feet, you may find that you’re able to achieve an optimal temperature just by having this unit close to your grow tent rather than inside it.
This unit has multiple heat settings, with a maximum output of 1500W or 5,120 BTUs. This unit is much more adjustable than those mentioned above and because it has a digital readout, you can take complete control of the temperature in your grow tent without needing a thermometer.
Like DeLonghi’s oil heater, it has an eco function that can help you to find the sweet spot between the right temperature and low power use.
There are some cool safety features, too. As well as the standard cut off to avoid overheating, there’s also a tip-over switch which shuts the unit down if it becomes unstable.
Pros
- Aesthetically attractive design.
- Extremely quiet.
- Built-in thermostat with digital readout.
- Eco-Function to automatically save energy.
- Impressive 300 square foot coverage.
Cons
- Somewhat bulky.
- Some users report a strange smell when first operating the unit.
- Not suitable for all budgets.
Bio Green PAL 2.0 Electric Fan Heater For Greenhouses
Best For: Those who want a hard-wearing heater that will stand up to years of use.
This electric fan heater from Bio Green is designed to heat greenhouses of up to 120 square feet. Which makes it more than capable of heating large grow tents and rooms.
The powerful air circulation means that you’ll get great distribution of warm air across all of your plants.
The unit is extremely well made (in Germany) and its robust stainless steel construction provides great splash proofing for use in humid grow tents. It’s small and compact and because it’s floor standing, there’s no need to worry about it tipping.
While the air temperature is adjustable with a max temperature of 90 degrees (and maximum output of 1500W), this model does not include a digital thermostat. However, there is an equivalent with a digital thermostat included (for which you can expect to pay a little more).
Pros
- Highly energy efficient.
- Splash-proofing.
- High air circulation fan distributes warm air evenly.
- Robust stainless steel construction & excellent build quality.
- 2 year warranty.
Cons
- Digital thermostat not included.
Types of Indoor Grow Tent Heaters
When you first start looking for a grow tent heater, it’s easy to be bamboozled by all the different types on the market. Let’s take a look at the benefits and caveats of each...
Ceramic Heater
Ceramic Heaters are well suited to mini grow tent. They use heated ceramic stones rather than exposed elements.
They get hot quickly and cool quickly after being shit down, making them a good choice for the safety-conscious.
Some use convection to circulate heat throughout the area while others offer directional heat.
Oil-Filled Heater
Oil-filled heaters are powerful and provide continuous heat, even for those who want to heat 24/7. Because they retain heat for longer, they are also highly energy efficient.
They produce no combustible gases they are nice and safe. You can also keep them running for long periods of time without reducing the humidity in your grow tent. The only downside is that they are costly.
Propane Heater
Propane heaters get really hot really fast, and combine easy setup with low-maintenance. So they’re a good choice for those who are new to growing.
Propane heaters produce emissions which may prove harmful to your plants, which is why proper ventilation is essential when using one of these heaters.
While propane is flammable, most have an automated shutoff feature, so they should be safe to use.
What Temperature Should Grow Tent be?
Broadly speaking, if conditions are right for human habitation, they’re right for growing cannabis. These wonderful little plants enjoy similar conditions to us.
Try and keep your temperature range between 70-85 °F (that’s 20-30 °C) during the day when your grow lights are active.
During dark hours, your plants will be perfectly happy in slightly cooler temperatures.
If you’re looking for optimal growth, however, you may want to tweak your temperatures slightly depending on the stage of the plant’s development.
Best Temperature For Vegetative Stage
For those who are new to growing- the vegetative stage is the early stage in the plant’s development. This is where the plant grows into the shape we recognize as the cannabis plant.
As such, plants prefer to be a little warmer in this stage. Between 70 and 78°F (20-30°C) is the optimal temperature range for vegetating plants.
Best Temperature For Flowering Stage
While the plants themselves have very similar needs throughout the growth cycle, flowering plants enjoy a lower temperature.
We find that reducing the temperature of your grow tent to 68-75°F (18-26°C) results in better bud quality. If you’re supplementing with CO2, daytime temps can be as high as 75-82ºF.
The reduction in temperature results in denser, more colorful and more fragrant buds with more trichomes (meaning more cannabinoids).
Best Temperature For Cloning
Roots develop best in warm conditions with high humidity. This is why they're usually stored in domes.
The optimum temperature is 74-78ºF and relative humidity at 75-85%. If you let your clones get too cold, they will dry and very likely die soon.
Increasing Temperature On A Grow Tent
There are many ways to do this, even without a grow tent heater. The best methods will depend on the size of your tent.
Heating A Small Grow Tent
Small grow tents (3x3 grow tents or smaller) can be heated by using an aquarium heater in a 5-gallon pail. This will also improve the humidity in your tent if conditions are a little too dry.
Alternatively, you may find that positioning the grow tent in a space with a lot of ambient heat (close to a furnace or ductwork with a high level of heat expenditure) helps you to get to a more optimal temperature.
Even a south-facing window that gets good access to sunlight can be a good place to position your grow tent for a temperature that’s more conducive to growth.
If you’re concerned about retaining heat in a small grow tent, try insulating the exterior with styrofoam or fiberglass insulation.
There are also small space heaters on the market which will do the job fairly well for small grow tents if you do not have access to a heater that’s specifically for horticulture.
Heating A Large Grow Tent
Heating a larger grow tent represents more of a challenge. You need to maintain a consistent temperature around the space which is why the aquarium heater in a pail probably won’t be sufficient for a larger tent.
Likewise, a small space heater will blow hot air around your space, which may dry out the plants. If you can’t get access to specialist growing equipment, we recommend using an oil heater combined with an oscillating fan to distribute the heat more evenly around the space.
Conclusion
Any of the above heaters will help you to maintain a temperature that’s conducive to healthy growth. And by giving you easy access to temperature control, you can get the perfect temperature for each stage of your plants’ growth.
However, when it comes to the best option, we believe that DeLonghi’s Space Heater. It offers the best combination of performance (no matter the side of your tent), control, energy efficiency and safety for your buck.
If your still is smaller, however, the Lasko Ceramic Heater offers great performance for it's size.
