How to choose the best seedling heat mats and thermostats 2018

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How To Choose The Best Seedling Heat Mats And Thermostats For Everyone?

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Sowing seeds and seeing them grow into beautiful trees are some of the most fantastic hobbies of various people. If you are one of them, I am sure you understand the feeling of bringing up the buds and finally seeing your hard work.

Therefore, in this article today, I will show you the 5 best seedling heat mats and thermostats, great facilitates to speed up the sprouting period and get you results as quickly as you want. Let’s check them out!

There is a wide range of products available on the market today, and below I have reviewed 5 of the very best options.

Last update on 2020-08-13 PST - Disclaimer

**Below, you will find more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer reviews on Amazon.

Why should you use a seedling heat mat and thermostat?

You love tropical plants but you are living in an area with cold winter all year round? That is when you need a seedling heat mat and thermostat. Otherwise, you can only germinate plants for Frigid Zones or wait thousands of years for tropical seeds to grow.

Heat mat and thermostat can help your seeds withstand the freezing temperature and impulse them to grow quicker. In other words, it can satisfy your interests of seeing seeds sprout and still create a significant convenience for you precisely in the place you live.

How to choose the best seedling heat mats and thermostats for your seeds?

There are several criteria that you should apply when finding the most appropriate heat mat and thermostat.

For heat mat:

Material and construction: Sturdy and waterproof

Size: The heat mat should fit your seedling tray or pot. You should measure the length of your tray before buying a heat mat.

Power: The heat mat needs to have a high enough wattage to maintain the heat for your plants. 12 to 17W will be just appropriate.

Temperature sensor: Some heat mats have incredibly sensitive temperature sensor and others don’t. Therefore, it’s best to read other users’ opinions on e-commercial pages to have the best overviews.

Facilitates: Before deciding to purchase a heat mat, you can check whether there is a thermostat coming with it. Having an available thermostat will substantially support you when germinating seeds.

For thermostat:

Temperature display: The thermostat should display both measurements in degrees, which are Fahrenheit and Celsius. In that way, you will not have to re-calculate and waste time.

Controlling scale: If you intend to turn your balcony into a little flower field, it is recommended to see if your thermostat can simultaneously control many heat mats. Otherwise, it will be quite complicated when managing a high number of thermostats at the same time.

Product Reviews – The best seedling heat mats and thermostats

Last update on 2020-08-13 PST - Disclaimer

1. Apollo Horticulture 9″x20″ Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set

This seedling heat mat from Apollo Horticulture is one of the best-selling products in the market at the moment. Various features are proving that it is worth the title. The first one is the private outlet of the thermostat that the producer offers.

You will not have to waste so much time discovering how the mat works. All you have to do is to connect the thermostat to the mat, and it will take care of everything. Unlike other products, which you have to purchase a separate thermostat and try to get a technician for assistance, Apollo Horticulture does all the hard parts.

Moreover, the product can maintain the soil temperature very well in various conditions. The thermostat can help you set up different levels of heat and keep them steady as you wish. 24 hours maintenance is not a problem with this heat mat.

Besides, if you want to use it for not only germinating but also rooting clones, the product can implement it smoothly. Although the temperature on the thermostat and the real heat is about 5 degrees unmatched, the mat creates great environment for your seeds.

Perhaps, you will have some troubles at first if you don’t know about the accuracy of the product. However, after this article, I believe you will have a better preparation. Also, you can see both Fahrenheit and Celsius degrees on the thermostat. So, it will be appropriate for you no matter which one you use.

If there is anything to complain, may be, it will be the insensitive heat sensor and high price. The mat does not shut off automatically when it’s too hot; therefore, you will need to pay more attention to your plants when using.

I hope they can fix that to make the product the best seedling heat mats and thermostats.

Pros

  • Private outlet for the thermostat
  • Good temperature-maintenance
  • Excellent for both germination and root clone
  • Show two measurements in degrees

Cons

  • Average accuracy
  • Does not contain automatic shut-off
  • High price

2. VIVOSUN Durable Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat Warm Hydroponic Heating Pad 10″ x 20.75″

If you don’t have much time and want to see results almost instantly, this VIVOSUN will be just for you. The first thing that you can notice in this product is that it is light. With only 0.75 pounds, iPower is the lightest heat mat among all the products today. Therefore, you will have no difficulties carrying it or moving it while working.

And about the capability for germination, this product also has high competitiveness. It can assist your seeds to sprout within 1-2 days, which are the shortest periods I have ever seen. It is the record that I think the producer should include in the background for the product.

One more thing that can be considered a record is that VIVOSUN can create germination in numerous types of seeds, even some of the hardest ones. Beets, broccoli, kale, spinach or some other common vegetables often have no problems to sprout.

And even some of the notoriously hard seeds to germinate, including Jalapeno, Brandywine Red, or Lavender have approximately 95 percent of germination rate. That is an impressive number that not many products and achieve.

As helpful as this heat mat is, it does not cost much to purchase. In fact, it has the most reasonable and lowest price among five products that I bring to you today. If you have a small budget and still want a high-quality a heat mat combo, this one will be the most suitable.

The only thing you have to pay attention when using the product is its maintenance. From my understandings, it’s relatively complicated. Although the mat is waterproof, you should not clean it by dimming it under water. High risks of electrical shock and damages may occur.

Also, it is not recommended to crease or fold the mat. You may harm the heat sensor installed underneath its surface. Finally, if you decorate your house with perlite, it’s best not to leave VIVOSUN on it. Some users claim that this heat mat melts their tubs of perlite and leave scorch marks. Therefore, pay attention to protect your house as well as keep the mat in good conditions.

Pros

  • Light weight
  • Help plants germinate in short time
  • Reasonable price
  • Works great on many types of seeds

Cons

  • Leave scorch marks on perlite surface
  • Little hard to store

3. iPower GLHTMTCTRLHTMTS 10″ x 20.5″ 

This product can be used for not only one but also various other purposes, such as warming up your drinks or being a wonderful source of heat for your pet. In case you have a reptile or insects, iPower will be one of the best heat mats and thermostats that you can ever possess. Placing them under a hedgehog enclosure and your pet will be fine.

Its small size is also one of the features that help you maintain the quality of the product excellent. Unlike VIVOSUN, you can fold it and put it in any corner of your house. Nevertheless, sometimes, small size is a drawback. Mainly, when you want to sprout over 15 different types of seeds, only one iPower heat mat will not be enough.

Apart from that, the product is also very convenient for busy homemakers because it takes a little time to clean. Due to its durable, sturdy, and waterproof construction, you can just flick off the mat after using, and dirt will not have any chance to stick on it. One more thing that may interest you is the modern LED light on the thermostat of this product. No matter day or night, you will be able to take control of the temperature and germination of your seeds. And you will find your sleep much more comfortable at night when discovering that the mat has a smart temperature sensor.

It will shut down on auto-pilot when the heat reaches the level you want and automatically turn on when the temperature is too low (about 2 to 4 Fahrenheit degrees). That is why you can be out of the house for a whole day without worrying about your plants and save tons of money on energy bills. How amazing!

Nevertheless, there is one thing to warn you that various products in the market are being faked. Therefore, you can find lots of iPower best heat mats and thermostats with low durability. The tip for you is to find iPower label on the product to avoid purchasing the wrong heat mat.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Easy to clean
  • Modern LED light on the thermostat
  • Fantastic temperature sensor
  • Energy saving

Cons

  • Small size
  • Not so durable

4. Seedling Plant Heat Mat For Indoor & Outdoor Home Gardening – Waterproof Design – By Sandalwood

Another brand that receives numerous compliments from users is Sandalwood. It is famous for high-quality multilayer-design-heat-mats. With 4 inches in thickness, this product can retain heat for another 30 minutes to an hour after shutting down.

Also, if you don’t know how to scatter seeds for growth, the heat mat will show you. There is information about the amount of light, water, and number of days for germination printed right on the surface of the mat. You can consider that a good reference and apply the instructions for the best results.

And unlike iPower, Sandalwood heat mat has high durability as well as an extended period of warranty. It can work 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and show no problems even when you use it outdoors, in the cold winter.

When being applied indoors, it can optimize its ability even better. I guess low wattage is the reason for the consistency and durability of the product. Nevertheless, for a person who would love to see results in a short time like me, this product may not be a good choice.

Low wattage can maintain heat well but unable to push temperature up high. Therefore, it often takes a longer time to see seeds sprout when using Sandalwood heat mat, which can be about 2 to 3 days. If your kid has a science project and wants to observe the germination of seeds, this mat will be a perfect choice.

Moreover, if you have a grow box and intend to combine this mat with it, you can pause the idea immediately. They are not going to work well with each other. Several users have tried and ultimately failed. Instead, using them separately will be a great option.

Pros

  • Multilayer construction
  • Reference for planting
  • Works well in long time
  • Easy to store

Cons

  • Low wattage
  • Not efficient for grow box

5.Hydrofarm Seedling Heat Mats, 17 Watts, 9 x 19.5 Inches

Now, we come to the last product in the list of the best heat mats and thermostats today. This Hydrofarm is the largest one among all of the mats that I recommend. With 20 inches in length and 10 inches in width, you can grow a large number of plants in one time only.

It’s not necessary to buy two or three same heat mats anymore. One Hydrofarm will be sufficient. Moreover, the heat that the product provides is outstanding. It boosts your seeds to sprout and grow with no difficulties.

However, in some products that have been used for a long time, the bottom heat might not perform well as it was. The temperature in different places may get uneven. And the seeds near the wire often receive more heat than other locations.

Therefore, remember to clean the product after using to protect its quality and prolong its expiry date. Also, it is designed to use indoors so you should avoid exposing it to the cold temperature. It will still show its efficiency; however, it cannot be compared to when you use it indoors.

And instead of offering references when you have no idea about how to grow your plants, Hydrofarm gives you an entire guidance. You will discover how to take advantage and maximize the effects that the mat provides as well as the best time and temperature that you should set up for each type of plant. Besides, you can rest your mind in piece when finding out that this Hydrofarm is the only UL-tested product in the market at the moment. I believe you will be satisfied with the results that this heat mats performs.

Pros

  • Large size
  • Excellent bottom heat
  • Handy guide for germination
  • Tested by the UL

Cons

  • Uneven temperature
  • Does not fit outdoors

Choosing the Best Seedling Heat Mats and Thermostats

In case you would like to know, I choose the iPower heat mat for my small garden. It is suitable for my budget and does not consume so much power, which is exactly what I need. I hope that you have chosen the best seedling heat mats and thermostats for yourself.

If you like my article, don’t hesitate to share it. Also, don’t be shy to send me your questions (if any). I would love to reply to them.

James G. Craig
 

James G. Craig is a gardening enthusiast who splits his spare time between growing vegetables, preening his flower gardens, and blogging about his experiences at the Gardener Corner.

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 1 comments

Anju Mukundan last year

Thank you for providing such an informative article were I could find almost everything about the best seedling heat mats and thermostats. Price comparison and product review helped alot to know more about the products. Hope you will continue writing article like this.

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