When winter hits or the nights get chilly, your plants shouldn’t suffer. That’s where a greenhouse heater becomes your garden’s best friend. The right heater can keep your greenhouse at the perfect temperature—ensuring your plants thrive, not just survive, through cold snaps and frosty mornings.
In this guide, we’re covering the best greenhouse heaters for 2025—from electric models to gas-powered beasts—so you can find the perfect solution based on your space, budget, and climate.
Why You Need a Greenhouse Heater
Even with insulation and sun exposure, greenhouses lose heat fast when temperatures drop—especially at night. Here’s what a good heater does for your setup:
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Prevents frost damage
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Keeps tropical or heat-loving plants alive
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Extends your growing season
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Maintains consistent temperatures
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Boosts germination and seedling health
No more waking up to wilted tomatoes or frozen herbs—just steady warmth and healthy growth.
Best Overall Greenhouse Heater
Bio Green PAL 2.0/US Palma Greenhouse Heater
Best for: Small to medium greenhouses
Direct answer: The Bio Green Palma is the best overall greenhouse heater thanks to its compact size, powerful output, and built-in thermostat.
Key features:
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Stainless steel body for durability
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Heats up to 120 sq. ft.
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Integrated digital thermostat (40°F–100°F)
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Energy-efficient fan-forced design
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Splash-proof (IPX4 rating)
This heater is ideal for most home greenhouse setups. You get excellent control over temperature and peace of mind with its safety features.
Power source: Electric (120V)
Price range: $140–$200
Best Propane Greenhouse Heater
Mr. Heater Little Buddy MH4B
Best for: Off-grid and portable heating
Direct answer: The Mr. Heater Little Buddy is the best propane option for small to mid-sized greenhouses, especially where electricity isn’t available.
Why it works:
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3,800 BTU output—heats up to 95 sq. ft.
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Easy one-button ignition
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Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) for safety
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Runs up to 5.5 hours on a 1 lb propane cylinder
It’s compact, easy to use, and doesn’t require cords or outlets—perfect for remote or backup heating.
Power source: Propane
Price range: $80–$120
Best Budget Electric Greenhouse Heater
Vornado MVH Vortex Heater
Best for: Budget-conscious growers in mild climates
Direct answer: The Vornado MVH offers a reliable, affordable heating solution with three heat settings and tip-over protection.
Key specs:
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3 heat levels: 750W, 1125W, and 1500W
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Compact and lightweight
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Overheat protection and cool-touch exterior
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Not water-resistant (use with caution)
While it’s not greenhouse-specific, it performs well in dry, insulated greenhouses when placed on a safe, elevated surface.
Power source: Electric
Price range: $40–$70
Best Heater for Large Greenhouses
Dyna-Glo Delux 50K–80K BTU Forced Air Heater
Best for: Large or commercial greenhouses
Direct answer: The Dyna-Glo Delux is the best high-output heater for large greenhouses, with adjustable BTU range and serious heating power.
Why it’s a beast:
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Adjustable 50,000 to 80,000 BTUs
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Heats up to 1,900 sq. ft.
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20 lb propane tank runs up to 22 hours
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Overheat auto-shutoff and continuous ignition
If you’re heating a larger structure or working in sub-zero climates, this heater delivers. Make sure you have adequate ventilation.
Power source: Propane
Price range: $200–$350
Best Solar Greenhouse Heating Option
Sunbank Solar Water Heater (Hybrid Use)
Best for: Eco-conscious growers with hybrid setups
Direct answer: The Sunbank Solar Water Heater can be adapted for radiant greenhouse heating systems, offering a sustainable long-term option.
How it works:
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Heats water using solar tubes
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Can be connected to radiant floor or pipe systems
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No electricity or fuel needed
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Works well in combination with electric or gas backups
This isn’t plug-and-play like others on this list, but for advanced setups or off-grid homesteads, it’s an eco-friendly winner.
Power source: Solar thermal
Price range: $1,000+
Best Thermostat-Controlled Heater
Dr. Heater DR218-1500W Greenhouse Heater
Best for: Precision-controlled electric heating
Direct answer: The Dr. Heater DR218 is ideal for growers who want thermostat control, fan circulation, and reliability in one package.
Why it’s great:
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1,500W heating capacity
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Adjustable thermostat with fan-only mode
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Rugged, industrial steel housing
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IPX4 water-resistant rating
It’s built specifically for greenhouses and handles damp environments better than typical indoor heaters.
Power source: Electric
Price range: $100–$160
Comparison Table: Best Greenhouse Heaters at a Glance
Heater Name | Best For | Power Source | Heating Area | Thermostat | Price Range |
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Bio Green PAL 2.0 Palma | Overall use | Electric | Up to 120 sq. ft | Yes | $140–$200 |
Mr. Heater Little Buddy | Off-grid/small spaces | Propane | Up to 95 sq. ft | No | $80–$120 |
Vornado MVH Vortex | Budget setups | Electric | Up to 150 sq. ft | No | $40–$70 |
Dyna-Glo Delux | Large greenhouses | Propane | Up to 1,900 sq. ft | Yes | $200–$350 |
Sunbank Solar Heater | Sustainable systems | Solar | Varies (custom) | N/A | $1,000+ |
Dr. Heater DR218 | Thermostat control | Electric | Up to 150 sq. ft | Yes | $100–$160 |
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Greenhouse Heater
1. Heating Capacity (BTU or Watts)
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Match your heater’s power to your greenhouse size.
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Use this formula: BTUs = (Area in sq. ft) × (ΔT in °F) × 1.1
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ΔT = Desired internal temp – average outside temp
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2. Power Source
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Electric: Clean and easy to use, best for small to medium spaces.
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Propane/Natural Gas: Higher output, better for large or off-grid greenhouses.
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Solar: Long-term savings, but higher upfront cost and complexity.
3. Thermostat and Automation
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Look for built-in or external thermostats.
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Programmable or smart thermostats help automate heat cycles.
4. Safety Features
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Overheat protection
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Tip-over shutoff
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Water resistance (IPX rating) if placed in damp areas
5. Ventilation and Airflow
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Heaters with built-in fans distribute heat more evenly.
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Ensure adequate airflow and venting for gas-powered units.
Pro Tips for Using a Greenhouse Heater Effectively
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Insulate your greenhouse with bubble wrap or thermal curtains to retain heat.
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Place the heater near the center or in a low area (warm air rises).
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Use a separate thermometer to double-check internal temps.
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For large greenhouses, consider zoning with multiple heaters or fans.
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Use circulation fans to prevent hot and cold spots.
Conclusion: The Right Heater = Healthier Plants and Peace of Mind
A good greenhouse heater does more than keep plants warm—it helps you grow confidently through any season. Whether you’re looking for something compact like the Bio Green Palma, powerful like the Dyna-Glo, or eco-friendly like the Sunbank Solar, there’s a solution for every type of grower.
Final picks:
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Best overall: Bio Green Palma
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Best for large spaces: Dyna-Glo Delux
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Best off-grid: Mr. Heater Little Buddy
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Best thermostat control: Dr. Heater DR218
Ready to heat up your greenhouse game? Drop a comment with your greenhouse size and setup, and I’ll help you choose the perfect heater. Let’s keep your plants cozy and thriving, no matter the weather.