Choosing the right greenhouse heater keeps plants thriving through cold snaps. This guide compares five top heaters suited for greenhouses, grow tents, and garages, including dedicated tube heaters and compact electric models with thermostats. Below is a quick comparison table to help you scan key features at a glance.
| Product | Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Infinity THERMOFORGE T3 | PTC Grow Tent Heater | VPD controller, 10 heat levels, probe sensor | Precision grow tent/greenhouse control |
| SunStar Garage Tube Heater SIR45-15-L | LP Tube Heater | 45,000 BTU, compact tube design, high efficiency | Large greenhouses and unheated buildings |
| DR Infrared DR-268 | Infrared Electric Heater | IPX5 water resistance, corded probe, mount options | Outdoor-rated greenhouse, sheds, garages |
| Buyplus Greenhouse Heater 1500W | Electric Heater With Thermostat | 1500W, digital thermostat, fast 3s heating | Small-to-medium greenhouses and grow tents |
| SwSun 1500W Smart Greenhouse Heater | Smart Electric Heater | Wi‑Fi app control, temp alerts, multiple protections | Remote monitoring and automation |
AC Infinity THERMOFORGE T3 Grow Tent Heater
Type: PTC electric heater with integrated controller. The AC Infinity THERMOFORGE T3 is designed specifically for horticulture environments where precision control matters. It uses a corded sensor probe and an onboard controller that sets VPD and temperature triggers, timers, and cycles. The heating core is PTC plate technology with 10 distinct heat levels controlled by PWM for incremental output.
The T3 is suitable for grow tents and small greenhouses where maintaining ideal humidity and temperature dynamics is important. Its smart controls allow growers to program cycles and respond to probe readings, offering automated heat management. This model emphasizes control fidelity over raw wattage, making it useful when you need to protect delicate plants or seedlings.
SunStar Garage Tube Heater SIR45-15-L
Type: LP tube heater delivering high BTU output. The SunStar unit is a compact tube-style gas heater designed for larger spaces, with a 45,000 BTU capacity and an overall length suitable for ceiling or loft mounting. It reports efficiencies up to 84.5% and can be installed at low clearances.
This model is geared toward large greenhouses, workshops, and unheated structures where continuous high output is needed to maintain temperature across expansive areas. It requires proper ventilation, fuel supply, and professional installation for gas operation. For growers with larger footprint needs, tube heaters like this provide robust, continuous heat not achievable by small electric units.
DR Infrared DR-268 Smart Greenhouse Heater
Type: Infrared electric heater with water resistance. The DR-268 is rated IPX5/IP55 for outdoor and greenhouse use, making it suitable for damp environments. It provides infrared heat that is described as clean and odorless and uses a corded thermal probe for accurate temperature sensing.
Mounting versatility is a notable feature—wall, ceiling, or hanging chain options allow deployment similar to tube heater positioning. The built-in digital display and selectable Auto or Manual modes support basic automation. This unit blends outdoor durability with targeted radiant heating, useful for greenhouses where moisture and splash resistance are required.
Buyplus 1500W Greenhouse Heater With Thermostat
Type: Compact electric heater with digital thermostat. The Buyplus unit uses 1500W output with a waterproof probe and a digital thermostat that allows temperature settings between 40°F and 108°F. It advertises 3-second rapid heating and an internal self-resetting thermal cutout for safety.
This heater is intended for small to medium greenhouses, grow tents, and patios. The digital thermostat probe helps maintain setpoints and protects plants from cold stress. Its safety features and quick warm-up make it practical for growers seeking a simple electric solution without complex controls or installation needs.
SwSun 1500W Smart Greenhouse Heater With App
Type: Smart electric heater with Wi‑Fi control and alerts. The SwSun unit includes app-based control to monitor real-time temperature, set thresholds, and receive high/low alarms. Protections include overheat shutoff and tip-over safety. It supports remote management for automated responses to temperature excursions.
For greenhouse operators who prioritize remote monitoring and automation, this heater integrates into smart workflows. The alert system and app controls help maintain stable environments without constant on-site presence. Its portable design still suits small greenhouses and grow tents but adds networked convenience.
Buying Guide For Greenhouse Tube Heaters
Choosing between tube-style gas heaters and electric/smart units depends on greenhouse size, ventilation, fuel availability, and the level of control needed. Below are key factors and comparative perspectives to help select the right solution.
Heating Capacity And Coverage
- BTU vs Watts: Larger greenhouses typically require gas tube heaters rated in BTU (e.g., 45,000 BTU) to provide continuous high output. Small-to-medium spaces usually rely on 750–1500W electric heaters.
- Sizing: Match heater output to greenhouse volume and insulation. Underpowering leads to temperature swings; overcapacity may waste energy.
Fuel Type And Installation
- Gas Tube Heaters: Provide high continuous heat but require propane/natural gas supply, ventilation, and professional installation. Appropriate for large spaces and where electricity is limited.
- Electric Heaters: Easier to install—plug-in models with thermostat probes are common. Ideal for smaller greenhouses and grow tents.
Control And Precision
- Thermostats And Probes: Corded probes and digital thermostats maintain setpoints and reduce temperature swings. Look for waterproof probes for humid greenhouses.
- Advanced Controls: VPD controllers and smart app control offer finer environmental management for sensitive crops.
Durability And Environmental Rating
- Outdoor Rating: IPX or IP55 ratings indicate resistance to moisture and spray—important for greenhouse environments.
- Materials: Corrosion-resistant housings and flame-retardant materials improve longevity in humid or wet conditions.
Safety Features
- Overheat Protection: Auto shutoff prevents internal overheating.
- Tip-Over & Flame Controls: For portable units, tip-over protection is important. Gas tube heaters should include flame failure devices and proper ventilation safeguards.
Mounting And Placement
- Tube Heaters: Ceiling or loft mounting distributes warm air; requires structural support and clearance planning.
- Electric Units: Offer wall, floor, or hanging options; portable models can be moved seasonally.
Energy Efficiency And Operating Cost
- Runtime Considerations: Gas heaters typically offer lower operating cost per heat output for large spaces, while electric heaters may be more efficient for intermittent or targeted heating.
- Control Integration: Smart scheduling and precise thermostats reduce wasted run-time and improve efficiency.
Application And Crop Needs
- Delicate Seedlings: Require steady, uniform temperatures—units with precise probes or VPD control perform best.
- Large Production Greenhouses: Benefit from tube heaters for broad, continuous heat distribution.
- Temporary Or Mobile Setups: Portable electric heaters provide flexibility without permanent installation.
Comparison Perspectives
- Precision vs Capacity: AC Infinity and smart electric models prioritize precision control and monitoring. SunStar and other tube heaters prioritize raw capacity and wide-area coverage.
- Durability vs Convenience: Infrared and outdoor-rated electric heaters balance weather resistance with plug-and-play convenience. Gas tube heaters require more infrastructure but deliver higher output.
- Automation vs Manual Control: Smart heaters like SwSun provide remote alerts and scheduling. Simpler thermostats offer reliable local control without network dependency.
When selecting, assess greenhouse size, desired control level, fuel availability, and safety/installation requirements. Matching the heater type to the scale and sensitivity of your crop environment ensures consistent results and efficient operation.