Choosing the right greenhouse tube heater affects plant survival, energy use, and installation needs. This guide compares five top heaters that suit greenhouse, grow tent, and garage environments, including a dedicated tube-style gas heater and several electric models with thermostats and smart controls.
| Product | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| SunStar Garage Tube Heater – LP (SIR45-15-L) | Gas Tube Heater | 45,000 BTU Output, compact length |
| AC Infinity THERMOFORGE T3 | Electric Grow Tent Heater | PTC Plate With VPD Controller |
| Dr Infrared Heater DR-268 Smart | Electric Infrared Heater | IPX5 Water Resistance and multiple mounts |
| Buyplus Greenhouse Heater 1500W | Electric Forced-Air Heater | Digital Thermostat & Overheat Protection |
| SwSun 1500W Smart Greenhouse Heater | Electric Smart Heater | Wi‑Fi App Control and alerts |
Content Navigation
- SunStar Heating Products Garage Tube Heater – LP, 45,000 BTU
- AC Infinity THERMOFORGE T3, Environmental Grow Tent Heater
- Dr Infrared Heater DR-268 Smart Greenhouse Heater
- Buyplus Greenhouse Heater With Digital Thermostat, 1500W
- 1500W Greenhouse Heater With APP Remote Control & Smart Panel
- Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Greenhouse Tube Heater
SunStar Heating Products Garage Tube Heater – LP, 45,000 BTU
This is a purpose-built tube-style gas heater commonly used in garages and larger greenhouse spaces where high BTU output is needed. The unit’s compact overall length of 110 inches is noted for easier installation in confined rafters or ceiling spaces. Reported efficiencies up to 84.5% indicate efficient fuel use for propane setups. The product supports installation heights as low as 8 feet above the floor, which can be helpful for many greenhouse structures.
As a gas tube heater, this model is designed for large-volume heating and continuous operation. Installation requires fuel hookup, venting and proper clearance. It’s best suited where electric heating capacity is impractical or where high BTU output is necessary to maintain greenhouse thermal mass during very cold periods.
AC Infinity THERMOFORGE T3, Environmental Grow Tent Heater
The AC Infinity THERMOFORGE T3 is an electric heater built with a focus on precision control for grow environments. It uses PTC plate technology with PWM control offering 10 heat levels, enabling fine temperature tuning. The onboard controller supports VPD (vapor pressure deficit) and temperature triggers, timers, and cycling, which is valuable for growers targeting specific humidity-temperature relationships.
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An included corded sensor probe and extension hose support remote sensing. This unit suits controlled grow tents and smaller greenhouses where maintaining tight climate parameters benefits plant development. Being electric, it avoids combustion byproducts and simplifies installation compared to tube gas heaters.
Dr Infrared Heater DR-268 Smart Greenhouse Heater
The DR-268 is an electric infrared-style heater with an IPX5 water resistance rating, making it suitable for indoor and sheltered outdoor greenhouse environments. It delivers clean, odorless infrared heat and includes a corded sensor probe with a digital display and selectable auto or manual modes for temperature regulation.
Multiple mounting options are included (wall, ceiling, or hanging chain), which increases installation flexibility. Its design aims to provide radiant warmth with a straightforward digital thermostat interface, useful for maintaining setpoints in small to medium greenhouse zones.
Buyplus Greenhouse Heater With Digital Thermostat, 1500W
The Buyplus 1500W electric heater is targeted at small greenhouses and grow tents, claiming quick heating and effective coverage for around 215 square feet under certain conditions. It features a digital thermostat with a waterproof probe and an adjustable range from 40°F to 108°F (5°C–42°C), plus safety elements like overheat protection and a self-resetting thermal breaker.
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Notable features include 3-second rapid heating and multi-use capability (patio, garage, reptile enclosures). As a forced-air electric heater with a thermostat probe, it balances ease of use and basic safety protections for hobby growers or seasonal greenhouse use.
1500W Greenhouse Heater With APP Remote Control & Smart Panel
This smart electric heater adds Wi‑Fi app control and real‑time temperature monitoring. Users can set high and low temperature alerts, receive notifications, and remotely toggle the heater. The product includes multiple safety protections such as overheat and tip-over shutoffs. The advertised high and low alert ranges and the ability to view current temperatures remotely make it attractive for unattended greenhouses.
Smart control can be particularly useful for growers who travel or manage multiple zones. As an electric unit, it avoids combustion requirements but depends on reliable Wi‑Fi and power availability.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Greenhouse Tube Heater
Choosing a greenhouse tube heater depends on greenhouse size, insulation, local climate, power/fuel availability and the precision of control you need. Below are key considerations to compare options objectively.
1. Heater Type And Fuel
- Tube Gas Heaters: High BTU output, suitable for large uninsulated spaces. Require propane or natural gas hookups, combustion ventilation, and compliance with safety clearances.
- Electric Heaters: Easier installation, no combustion byproducts, better for small to medium insulated greenhouses or grow tents. Options include PTC, infrared, and forced-air designs.
2. Heat Output And Coverage
Match output to greenhouse volume, not area alone. Tube heaters are rated in BTU (e.g., 45,000 BTU) and suit larger cubic volumes. Electric heaters are often in watts (750W, 1500W); a 1500W electric heater is effective in small-to-medium, well-insulated spaces.
3. Control Precision
- Digital Thermostats: Provide simple setpoint control and probe sensing; suitable for maintaining temperature windows.
- Advanced Controllers (VPD, PWM): Used by growers who require tight humidity-temperature balance and staged power modulation for plant development.
- Smart/Wi‑Fi: Remote monitoring and alerts help protect plants during absences but require network reliability.
4. Safety And Protections
Look for overheat protection, tip-over shutoff (for portable units), waterproof probes for humid environments, and fire-retardant materials. Gas tube heaters require additional clearance and installation safety measures.
5. Installation And Mounting
Consider mounting options: ceiling/rafter-mounted tube heaters are common for larger installations. Electric units often provide wall, floor or hanging options. Verify required clearances, fuel lines, venting, and electrical circuits.
6. Efficiency And Operating Cost
Compare efficiencies (BTU per fuel unit, or wattage for electricity) and estimate operating hours. Gas tube heaters can be more cost-effective in very cold climates for sustained heat, while electric models are simpler for intermittent or small-space use.
7. Environmental And Air Quality Considerations
Gas combustion produces moisture and combustion byproducts; ensure proper ventilation and monitor humidity. Electric heaters avoid combustion and are preferable where air quality or sealed environments are necessary.
8. Redundancy And Zoning
For critical crops, consider redundancy (two smaller units rather than one large) and zoning with multiple thermostats to prevent total crop loss if a single heater fails.
9. Maintenance And Lifespan
- Tube Heaters: Periodic inspection of burners, fuel connections and heat exchanger integrity is required.
- Electric Heaters: Keep dust and debris clear from intake and outlets, verify sensor probe operation and app connectivity if applicable.
10. Comparison Perspectives
- Large Uninsulated Greenhouses: Gas tube heater (SunStar) provides high continuous BTU output and fewer electrical constraints.
- Small To Medium Insulated Greenhouses Or Grow Tents: Electric heaters (AC Infinity, Buyplus, Dr Infrared, SwSun) offer easier installation, better control, and cleaner operation.
- Precision Growers: AC Infinity’s VPD control and PTC modulation suit growers needing exact environmental control.
- Remote Monitoring Needs: SwSun’s Wi‑Fi and alert features are geared to unattended or multi-site management.
When selecting a heater, weigh fuel availability, required BTU/wattage, control features, safety requirements, and how much automation or remote monitoring you need. Proper sizing, correct installation, and adherence to manufacturer safety guidance are essential for reliable greenhouse heating performance.
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