The winds of winter are coming. When we say we want frosty weed, this isn’t what we mean.
No matter your indoor setup, the bottom line is that adequately heating a grow tent is CRUCIAL. Plants, humans, furry friends, microwaved snacks – it doesn’t matter who or what you are, we all benefit from optimal temperature regulation.
In essence, if you want to maximize the yield of your cannabis plants (which you definitely do!), your little babies need to be snug as a bug in a rug. You NEED a good… nay… the best grow tent heater on the market.
Don’t worry! We’re going to get into all the benefits of using heaters in grow rooms and tents. The why to why you need one and the how to how to choose the perfect heating unit for your grow tent.
But first, let’s look at what’s actually on the market. Grow tent heaters are just like Goldilocks’ porridge! They come in all shapes and sizes.
Price ranges, types, heat settings and capacities: there’s a lot to pick through. And just like our bratty porridge-pursuing protagonist, it can’t be too hot or cold. It needs to be just right.
Deliberate no more: the 9 BEST heaters for grow tents are here!
The Prof might not be quite as picky as the little tawny-haired she-devil. But he knows just what your plants need!
The 9 BEST Grow Tent Heaters: Specs and Features!
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Editor’s Pick | Vornado TAVH10 Space Heater with Remote | Features:
| Check It Out! Jump to Review |
Top Budget Buy! | VIVOSUN Portable Greenhouse Heater | Features:
| Check It Out! Jump to Review |
Buy It For Life | Dyson AM09 Jet Focus Heater | Features:
| Check It Out! Jump to Review |
Best for Small Grow Tents | Honeywell HeatGenius Ceramic Heater | Features:
| Check It Out! Jump to Review |
Best Infrared Heater | Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater (Original | DR-968) | Features:
| Check It Out! Jump to Review |
Best Greenhouse Heater | Bio Green Palma Greenhouse Heater | Features:
| Check It Out! Jump to Review |
Best Propane Heater | Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy | Features:
| Check It Out! Jump to Review |
Best Oil-Filled Heater | De’Longhi Dragon Digital Radiator Heater (1500 W | TRD40615E) | Features:
| Check It Out! Jump to Review |
Best Convection Heater | De’Longhi Mica HMP1500 Panel Heater | Features:
| Check It Out! Jump to Review |
Types of Heaters Suitable for Grow Tents
Above, you might have noticed a whole slew of different types of heaters for growing cannabis and indoor plants. That’s because there are lots of types!
When heating a grow room or tent, the type of heater for your setup mostly comes down to your preferences and specific heating needs. There are key differences in energy consumption (and thus the running costs) as well as how they heat your plants. Ideal grow tent temperatures take the ideal heating setups!
At a glance, the best grow tent heaters usually fall under the following categories:
- 1. Electric Heaters – Easy to install and use, electric heaters are super popular with hobby growers. Electric heaters often come as ceramic, radiant, or fanforced models, though other types are available. Boasting efficiency and consistency over raw power, they’re a great choice of heater for small and medium grow tents.
- 2. Oil-Filled Heaters – This type of grow heater uses electricity to heat the oil inside which then radiates around the room. Though they can be slow on the heat-up, oil-filled units are very quiet, efficient, and even in their heat distribution. They’re a great heater for small to medium grow rooms and tents, however, larger units will function well in larger spaces too.
- 3. Propane and Gas Heaters – Usually more on the heavy-duty side, gas and propane heaters are great for large grow rooms or big commercial operations. They heat up hard and fast and are generally more efficient than electric models. However, harmful gases mean sufficient ventilation is a MUST, so make sure you’re using one of the best air filters in your grow room too!
- 4. Infrared Heaters – If you want to microwave your cannabis, look no further! By emitting infrared radiation, this heater directly heats objects (i.e. the marijuana plants) rather than the air around them. Overall, smaller units are good for spot heating, larger units will give you a wider whole-room effect, or you can use them in synergy with other heating solutions rather than as your go-to for grow tent temperature control.
- 5. Convection Heaters – Meanwhile, convection heaters are all about heating the air. Air gets, air circulation does its thing, and you get a warm and toasty grow tent! Convection heaters are usually quiet and efficient due to a lack of mechanicals (e.g. a fan) PLUS they are quite versatile too if you’re looking for an ultra-flat grow room heater.
(It’s also good to note that infrared, convection, and radiant heaters are beloved for NOT sucking the moisture and humidity out of the air. That’s important for the health of indoor cannabis plants too! That’s why combo-ing heaters – e.g. an electric heater for spot heating alongside an infrared model for heating the whole grow tent – is worth a strong consideration too.)
The Benefits of Using a Grow Tent Heater
Look, ami-grows. Grow hard or grow home!
If you want the MAXIMUM yield from your weed plants, you need to regulate your grow tent’s temperature.
Cannabis plants thrive within specific temperature ranges. Moreover, that temperature range changes as your plants reach different growth states. You don’t want to kick off your indoor farm just to have it all fall apart come winter, do you?
To grow like a pro, you gotta have full control over your grow room’s temperature. Additionally, heating your grow tents is going to prevent a buildup of mold or mildew.
If you’re growing in temperate climates, you might be able to get away with just the heating of your setup’s lighting, provided you’re using some high-quality grow tent LED lights. But even then, you’re lacking the consistency and control of the dedicated thermostat most halfway decent grow room heaters feature.
Put lightly, don’t think of a grow tent heater as an accessory to your setup. It’s an essential.
The 9 Best Heaters for Grow Tents and Rooms REVIEWED
How do you keep a grow room warm in winter? With a kick-ass heater, of course!
If your grow tent is too cold to keep your fwends happy and healthy, there’s only one thing to do. Buy a heater.
Starting with the best all-round, good for any occasion model…
Best Overall: Vornado TAVH10 Space Heater
Specs
Pros
Cons
Let’s kick things off with what I’m calling the BEST grow tent heater for its all-around usability. The Vornado TAVH10 stacks power, safety mechanisms, and the ideal quality-of-life features to optimize your yield into one small yet mighty (and very reasonably priced!) fan-forced dynamo. It’s the best because it meets just about anyone’s needs from the casual leaf lover to the serious bud breeder.
The Vornado’s primary selling point is its “Vortex Action”. It circulates air around enclosed spaces more efficiently than your average electric fan-forced grow heater. This heater isn’t like the other heaters!
Meanwhile, in terms of its user-friendly features, the Vornado comes packed with:
- A remote control for easy use
- An adjustable digital thermostat
- A 12-hour timer
- An “Auto Climate Control” mode to make your life that much easier
- And a 5-year warranty!
The only drawback to the product is that it’s a fan heater. It stirs up more noise than the silky silence of infrared or radiant heaters, which isn’t ideal if you’re heating an expertly crafted stealth grow box.
But otherwise, the Vornado TAVH10 is a portable little beast perfect for all members of the cannabis cultivation club. That vortex action ain’t something to laugh at: give it a whirl and watch your babies thrive!
Budget Buy: VIVOSUN Portable Greenhouse Heater
Specs
Pros
Cons
Let’s knock it down a notch in price. If your grow tent feels more like a grow fridge, the VIVOSUN Greenhouse Heater is here to heat things up without burning through your budget. VIVOSUN is a known and trusted grower’s brand, so you know you’re in good hands.
This model comes with an adjustable digital thermostat – crucial for keeping your jazz cabbage jiving at just the right temp! Plus with an easy carry handle and the ability to rotate the heater vertically at a 90-degree angle, it’s a champ at spot-heating.
Otherwise, it’s a bit slim on the features compared to a heater like the Vornado. And it’s cheap but not “Amazon Basics” cheap. This is a pared-down greenhouse heater that prices out other cannabis heaters on the market. (It also has an even cheaper variant WITHOUT the thermostat, but that isn’t my personal recommendation for effective growing.)
You can get more features elsewhere. You can probably get more energy efficiency too! But you won’t get it at this price and from a reputable marijuana-growing brand.
The VIVOSUN packs a punch with perks that often only come with pricier peers. It’s one of the best grow room heaters for hobby growers OR as a secondary heat source in more elaborate setups. May a thousand buds bloom!
Premium Buy: Dyson AM09 Jet Focus Heater
Specs
Pros
Cons
Primadonnas, look no further. When your grow tent demands nothing but the best, the Dyson AM09 Jet Focus Heater rolls up like a purring Cadillac. Flashy and supremely functional, be sure to bring your best bud trimmers to match because you’re gonna need them! Dyson elevates your growing game.
Dyson’s premium design includes two heating modes:
- 1. “Focus Mode” for direct heat when your plants need a targeted cuddle
- 2. And “Diffused Mode” for spreading the love around the whole room.
Furthermore, in true Dyson fashion, the AM09 also comes decked out with features. It includes a programmable timer and a 70-degree horizontal oscillation function, all controllable with a handy-dandy remote.
BUT… the sheer opulence of the product is its biggest drawback. Dyson makes products for foreshore-inhabiting, Labradoodle-loving white folks: not grungy lovable stoners.
The Jet Focus Heater comes with the heftiest price tag on this list, and it’s not designed specifically with grow tents in mind either. HOWEVER, if you’re heating a grow tent in an icy cold garage in winter, the AM09 has you covered with ease. It’ll heat the whole damn garage while you’re at it too!
So, if you’re ready to splurge on state-of-the-art climate control that keeps your leafy greens in perfect condition, the Dyson AM09 is worth every dollaridoo. Otherwise, something cheaper like the Vornado or VIVOSUN is probably better aligned with your needs.
Best for Small Grow Tents: Honeywell HeatGenius Ceramic Heater
Specs
Pros
Cons
Got a cool and cozy indoor grow space to heat? Then the Honeywell HeatGenius offers a warm blanket of heating for your baby buds! Small but powerful, it’s one of the best heaters for small grow tents out there, equipped to keep your delicate darlings in their comfort zone without overpowering them.
Firstly, the HeatGenuis is big on features. Big on safety, this little heater features tip-over protection, thermal insulated wiring, and a triple layer of overheat defense. Moreover, the adjustable digital thermostat, timer, and six heating modes – including both space or floor heating settings – cement it as a steal for indoor weed plants.
Priced similarly to the VIVOSUN, it’s a serious bargain. However, it is still a casual space heater and not custom-designed with indoor cannabis plants in mind. That’s why I still consider the VIVOSUN a bit more of an all-around grower’s companion at a budget heater level.
But, if you’re a newcomer to the cannabis growing game rocking a smaller beginner’s indoor grow setup, this is an excellent unit for you. It’s a brilliant heater for 4×4 grow tents, pushing up to 8×8 variants. Plus, heating the floor in your space while you work and trim…?
*Chef’s Kiss*
Best Infrared: Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater (Original | DR-968)
Specs
Pros
Cons
Let’s leave those fan-forced chumps behind with something a little more radical. Microwave your greenies into merriment with this infrared offering from Dr Heater! Sporting whisper-quiet operations and the innovation of infrared heating, this is a fantastic unit to keep your grow tent warm.
Features this grow heater does not lack! Across the board, it’s got some bang-on bonuses:
- A remote control
- An adjustable digital thermostat
- A 12-hour timer
- And an Eco Mode to keep the running costs low
Additionally, one feature I really love is the removable and easy-to-clean filter to maintain peak heating and growing performance.
Infrared heaters come with their own pros and cons. They are loved by cannabis growers for their quietude and ability to directly heat objects (i.e. your plants). However, even with Eco Mode, they do chew through some serious joules. Beware them heating costs!
Still, if you’re looking for a reliable infrared heater for your grow room and you’re happy to pay a little bit more on your power bills, the Dr Heater is a champion amongst chumps! Designed and engineered in the USA with a 3-year warranty and that (admittedly) very sexy retro look, it adds a bit of flash and a whole lot of heat to your grow tent.
Best for Greenhouses: Bio Green Palma Greenhouse Heater
Specs
Pros
Cons
This is the beefier and brawnier big bro of the VIVOSUN Greenhouse Heater. If you liked what the VIVOSUN was offering but just wanted a little more junk in the trunk, the Bio Green Palma is gonna hit the Goldilocks-inspired “just right” spot… just right!
Pumping out heatwaves for medium and larger grow spaces, the Palma is perfect for greenhouses and grow tents up to 120 square feet. It’s portable, it’s powerful, and it’s pretty damn efficient too!
Much like the VIVOSUN, Bio Green’s Palma doesn’t wow you with its wide array of features so much as its pure efficacy. The typical German-grade engineering brings you top-notch durability and quality. There’s also a precise thermostat controller, all the essential safety features, and a mold-busting air circulation fan for happier and healthier plants. (Prof Protip: Avoid the classic beginner grower mistakes and be vigilant against mold and mildew!)
Don’t get me wrong: this is definitely a pricier option as far as grow heaters go. If the site of the price tag makes you balk, I’d recommend the VIVOSUN instead for a similar but toned-down effect.
But if you’re rocking a greenhouse or a larger grow tent or room, this is one of the best heaters for the job! The Bio Green Palma is a solid choice that brings a lot of heat to the table.
Best Propane: Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy
Specs
Pros
Cons
Mmm, look at all those BTUs. It’s (almost) over 9000! What’s a BTU? Who cares with that many being thrown around!
If you’re looking to stick a propane heater in your grow room or are just lavishing in a proverbial grow mansion, then look no further than Mr. Heater’s MH9BX Portable Buddy. A powerhouse of propane heating, this product is perfect for medium to large indoor grow spaces up to 225 square feet.
This unit is a fan favorite for growers who want to cut down on their electrical bills or simply prefer the robust warmth that propane provides. It’s surprisingly lightweight and portable for such a firey beast. PLUS, it comes with crucial safety features, including an emergency low-oxygen safety system to give you some peace of mind when playing around with harmful gases.
Of course, actions and reactions: robust warmth comes at a cost. Using a propane heater in a grow room means managing tanks and keeping an eye on consumption, which is considerably more admin than plug-and-play electric options. But for those down for the admin, propane offers a more powerful heating solution that, surprisingly, is often a cleaner energy source too.
So, if you need the extra oomph, Mr. Heater is your main man. Alternatively, if you want to experiment with the propane life, this is one of the best grow tent heaters to give it a shot! It’s cleaner, meaner, and just keeps on trucking through all the blackouts and power failures to come.
Best Oil-Filled: De’Longhi Dragon Digital Radiator Heater (1500 W | TRD40615E)
Specs
Pros
Cons
Moving along to oil-filled heaters, De’Longhi’s 1500W Dragon model is your silent partner in cannabis-cultivating crime. (Jokes! It’s legal. Well, that depends on where you live. 😉)
If your grow tent requires the gentle warmth of a radiator without the noise pollution of billowing fans, this is one of the best heaters for the job! It’s ideal for maintaining optimal temperatures in small to medium-sized grow tents. AND, as a radiant heater, this oil-filled gem isn’t going to suck the precious moisture out of the air either.
On the features side, you’ve got sleek LED digital controls, an adjustable thermostat, and a full 24-hour timer function. Plus there’s a dedicated Eco Mode to minimise those running costs.
Its price might seem a tad steep compared to similar 1500W heaters in this round-up. This is especially true if you’re growing in larger tents or rooms as you could get a more suitable heater for roughly the same price or slightly more (such as Bio Green’s Palma).
But a premium is what you pay for a top-tier radiant heater from a top-tier household brand with 100+ years of market experience. Marijuana Seed Buying 101: DON’T skimp on your gear! The De’Longhi Dragon’s performance in smaller setups is unmatched. It’s quiet, it’s effective, and it’s got a sick-ass name.
Roll it in and let the good times grow!
Best Convection: De’Longhi Mica HMP1500 Panel Heater
Specs
Pros
Cons
De’Longhi does it again! Here’s one more heater type to finish off the review. If you’re looking for something merging the tranquil silence of the Dragon with the discreet portability of something from Dyson, the Mica Convection HMP1500 Panel Heater is your last serving of lip-smacking porridge.
For growers who need to heat their tents without cramping their style or space, the HMP1500 stands out as a sleek convection champion. Its slimline design not only slides into grow spaces with ease but can also be mounted on the wall. That probably won’t suit a grow tent, however, grow rooms and other indoor setups will benefit greatly from the option!
Quiet yet crazy efficient, this heater ticks all the boxes for effective grow room temperature control. It’s got the safety features, the heat settings, and the adjustable thermostat you’ve come to love and expect.
Really, my only gripe with the product is that the thermostat isn’t digital. These manual knobs don’t provide as much precision for achieving that ideal temperature in a grow tent.
Still, it’s a super effective and very reasonably priced convection heater with that De’Longhi seal of approval. If you’re looking for an ultra-flat grow room heater that still hits the output and efficiency targets, this is panel pal for you!
What to Consider Before Buying a Grow Tent Heater
You’ve seen the best… Now check out the rest! (Of the info.)
Before you commit to the buy, here are the features and use cases I strongly suggest you weigh up:
- Grow Room Size and Heater Coverage: There’s no sense in buying a heater for a 4X4 grow tent if you’re rocking an 8×8! Scope out the size of your grow tent and plan your plant setup before choosing a heater with the power to match. You need a heater powerful enough to maintain the ideal temperature in your grow tent consistently but without being so powerful that it risks overheating the space.
- Temperature Control: So on that note of stable temperature control, buy a grow room heater with an adjustable thermostat. And ideally a digital thermostat (I loathe manual dials). A stable room temp is key for healthy cannabis growth, so buy a heater with an accurate thermostat and get a precise room temperature controller for good measure too.
- Safety Features: We’ll discuss more on safety in a second: it is a VITAL consideration when blasting hot air in small, enclosed spaces. Pretty much any of the best grow tent heaters will come stacked with safety features (e.g. automatic shut-off and overheat protection mechanisms).
- Energy Efficiency: With lights, filters, heaters, and microwaves pumping out your munchies, growing cannabis comes with some running costs! The more energy-efficient your grow tent’s heater is, the cheaper it will be to run. Features like programmable timers or eco-modes go a long way too!
- Humidity Considerations: Maintaining the optimal humidity level is also crucial for healthy cannabis growth! Ensure your heater of choice isn’t drying the grow room out excessively. Infrared heaters are particularly good for this.
Safety Guidelines to Follow When Heating a Grow Tent
Fires fires fires. Popping a small house fire off in your grow tent is the grower’s equivalent of busting a nut too early! Why you hotboxing when nobody’s home, foo’?
Safety is KEY. There’s zero point in buying the best cannabis grow tent with a whizzbang heater to match if the whole thing goes up in flames.
Here’s what to do and not do when heating a grow tent:
- Use the thermostat wisely to not overheat the grow space.
- Keep your heater grounded and stable on a non-flammable floor (no carpets!).
- And space it wisely away from the tent walls and other flammable materials.
- Automatic shut-off features save lives so buy a cannabis heater that has one.
- Check in on your growing and heating setup regularly to ensure it’s all travelin’ smooth.
- For the love of Boom Shiva, DO NOT DIY A HEATING SETUP – buy a proper heater.
FAQs on Grow Tent and Grow Room Heaters
Frequently asked questions require frickin’ awesome answers! Want the low-down on your burning queries about heating a grow tent or room with a heater?
Ask and you shall receive.
Rounding Up the Roundup: What’s the Best Heater for a Grow Tent?
Snug as a bug in a rug, grow-bros and trim-sistahs!
By now, hopefully, you’ve found the BEST heater for your grow room setup. If not, here are my suggestions again.
ONE. The Vornado TAVH10 Space Heater is a super accessible all-rounder that will hit the spot in most indoor growing setups.
TWO. The Dr Heater Portable Infrared Heater is an awesome choice if you’re looking for something with equal portability and versatility in an infrared format.
Still not satisfied? NEITHER AM I!
THREE. Try the Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy for something a little different in a propane format. It’s a very solid propane grow heater – small, efficient, and POWERFUL enough to keep your plants happy and healthy, even in larger spaces.
Otherwise, stay toasty out there! Keep your growing temps stable and consistent! But not so hot that you start cooking your cannabis too soon either. (Lol.)
But one way or another, ensure you DO heat your grow tent and maintain the ideal temperature for your babies.
Remember: the best grow tent heaters make your marijuana plants… merry-juana plants.
Can some one advise me what Heater I can buy that will work with timers so you don’t need to hit a start/On button every time heat is needed? This would be for a 4X2x% ft Grow tent
Hey hey, most mid-range+ heaters will have some kinda timer function. For a 4×4 grow tent and simple setup though, I’d recommend the article’s top choice of heater: the Vornado TAVH10. That’ll cover you more than enough for a space that size. 🙂