5 Best Greenhouse Heaters of 2024

To keep energy bills down, whilst still keeping temperatures up, this Bio Green Palma Greenhouse Heater is a great option to consider.

Not only is this greenhouse heater sufficiently powerful, with a 2 KW output, to keep temperatures comfortable in standard greenhouses, but it also comes with a digital thermostat that will help control the amount of energy used.

Unlike many other heaters, the Bio Green Heater has an external thermostat that can be positioned right next to your plants. It therefore bases its temperature readings on what the plants feel, not just the temperature immediately next to the heater.

The digital thermostat can be set to a specific temperatures and offers accurate temperature control: it efficiently maintains the desired heat output. When the thermostat switches off, it switches back on in good time to stop the temperature from dropping too low.

There are no others adjustments for temperature control, so you have to run the this heater on the 2 kW setting. Therefore, the thermostat is the only way to control energy usage.

In terms of construction, it’s a robust unit overall, with a stainless-steel body and plastic handle. Plus, it has a water-resistance rating of IPX4, meaning that it this Bio Green heater will be protected from splashing washer (great news for anyone with a tendency to slop the ol’ watering can around!).

To give an idea of this greenhouse heater’s effectiveness, customers have reported success when using it for a variety of different functions: from overwintering plants and seedlings, to looking after tropical plants such as bananas.

With its power output of 2 kW, it’s the best greenhouse heater for achieving good temperatures over winter. In a standard 2.4 x 1.8 m (8 x 6 ft) greenhouse, the heater can dramatically increase the temperature by several degrees. In larger greenhouses (approx. 5.5 x 2.5 m / 18 x 8 ft) it can still be efficient at warding off frost.

Effective electric heaters can be expensive, but fortunately this 2kW Electric Greenhouse Heater offers good value for money; it will make a significant increase to temperature in your greenhouse, without making a dramatic decrease to your bank balance.

This greenhouse heater has a simple design, with three different heat settings: cool fan only, and 1 kW or 2 kW heat. This gives a decent amount of temperature control. There is also a thermostat that helps with controlling energy usage.

Even on the lower 1 kW power output, this heater is capable of providing a reasonable amount of heat to a standard 2.4 x 1.8 m (8 x 6 ft) greenhouse. For example, when it drops below freezing outside, it can keep temperatures at least above 5°C in the greenhouse (and often significantly higher, depending on existing insulation).

When the thermostat switches off, it only shuts down the heating element, leaving the fan running. As a result, this greenhouse heater’s energy usage will may slightly higher than if the thermostat prompted the whole unit to switch off entirely.

An additional positive note regarding the thermostat: it’s relatively accurate and doesn’t let temperatures drop too much before turning back on.

In terms of construction, this heater is sturdily made with a solid metal case. On the downside, there is no mention of waterproofing, so it may not be suitable for a very high-humidity environment.

All things considered, if you’re after value for money, this is one of the best greenhouse heaters to go for.

Although it may not have all of the features of the Bio Green Palma Heater – such as an external thermostat – it’s still a robust and effective model. Plus, it’s less expensive.

No mains power in the greenhouse? No problem! The Bright Spark BS400 Portable Gas Heater is a useful little heater that doesn’t rely on having a socket nearby.

As gas heaters go, it’s pretty small and compact, with a foldable handle that makes it easy to take with you as you move between the greenhouse, shed and garage during winter.

It’s worth mentioning straight away that, because there’s no thermostat, this greenhouse heater it better for supplying shorter bursts of heat, as opposed to being expected to run all night long. It’s fuelled by a butane gas cartridge (not included), and one canister lasts approximately three hours.

When running, the 1.3 kW heat output can kick out some real warmth, even on the low setting. There is a dial to adjust the thermostat in order to give better temperature control. Overall, it would be a good greenhouse heater for keeping you toasty as you work in the greenhouse during the winter months.

Due to its compact design, this heater is extremely versatile. It’s one of the best heaters if you want something portable that can be used in a lot of different contexts. Seeing as it doesn’t rely on a mains power supply, it can also be used when camping or sitting out on the patio.

If you don’t have a way to run an electric heater in your greenhouse, this is the best gas heater to consider. It can take off the chill, but won’t raise temperatures to a large degree.

Running time is finite, but the gas canisters are easy to remove and replace. The only thing to bear in mind is that you’ll need to keep buying more which is an expense that can add up over time.

Sometimes, keeping the greenhouse free of frost is all you need – and there’s no need to spend loads to achieve it. This Dimplex ECOT 1 ft Tubular Heater is cost effective, both to buy and to run, and will stop plants from withering under the icy claws of Jack Frost.

Running at just 40 W, it might not seem like much, but this greenhouse heater creates enough heat to keep temperatures above freezing in small greenhouses. Plus, such low wattage means that it’s relatively cheap to run and can be left on for extended periods.

The tube heater also has a built-in thermostat to further control energy consumption. There are no temperatures marked, but instead a scale ranging from ‘min’ to ‘max’. There is no specific frost setting, so some trial and error may be required to find the right temperature.

As a tubular heater, it’s easily mounted onto wall brackets; the benefit of this is that it can be kept out the way, allowing you to benefit from more floor space in your greenhouse. The mounting brackets are included.

It’s IPX4 rated, making it splash-proof and safe for use in greenhouse conditions. As a result, there should be no complaints from this greenhouse heater if you are slightly over zealous with your watering can.

Whilst this is overall a very useful heater, and one of the best greenhouse heaters for keeping frost at bay, it does have one primary shortcoming. The power cable is only 1.5 m long, which can be a little short for some greenhouses, particularly if the socket is awkwardly positioned – just something to be aware of.

Paraffin greenhouse heaters like the Bio Green Warmax Power 5 Heater have been popular amongst gardeners for a long time. It’s easy to see why, given that this model is efficient, easy to use and practical.

First of all, there’s no requirement to have a mains power socket nearby, making this Bio Green heater viable for all kinds of greenhouses. Secondly, the heat output can be adjusted depending on how many wicks are lit, and it can burn for several days.

This greenhouse heater has a paraffin tank with a capacity of 4.5 L. It requires a funnel (not included) to help with the fuelling process. As mentioned, this is enough paraffin to keep the heater going for approximately three days.

With both burners lit, this Bio Green greenhouse heater has the power to keep temperatures above freezing in a 3 x 2.4 m (10 x 8 ft) greenhouse. It’s also suitable for smaller greenhouses as it’s possible to only light one of the four 30 cm wicks. This means that you can achieve some temperature control as well. Plus, less fuel can be used the majority of the time, but if a boost is needed, the other wicks can be lit.

In terms of safety, the open flame is covered by the flues, so there’s no naked flame to worry about. However, it’s worth noting that the strength of the metal flues could be higher, and some care needs to be taken not to bend them when removing and replacing them.

Although paraffin can be expensive to buy, this paraffin greenhouse heater is at least economical in its usage. It’s therefore the best greenhouse heater to buy if you want something that’s gas powered but not too costly to run for longer periods of time.