Greenhouse Heater (UK): The 6 Best Heaters on the Market in 2023
The UK weather sadly doesn’t allow us to grow tomatoes in the winter. So, if you want to turn your greenhouse into an all-year hobby house where plants will thrive, you’ll have to rely on a greenhouse heater.
In my list below, I’ve included several greenhouse heater options; they all operate and benefit your conservatory in different ways.
The 6 Best Greenhouse Heater Models for 2022
If you’re looking for the best greenhouse heaters in the UK, my list below should offer you some solid options. Each of the models listed are durable, reliable, and come supported by positive consumer reviews.
1. Schallen 800W Portable Oil Radiator
The Schallen 800W Portable Oil Radiator has 6 fins and comes with a thermostat, so you can pre-set the desired temperature. The radiator will run by itself, switching on and off to ensure the ambient temperature remains at your desired level.
The smaller size of this electric greenhouse heater makes it an excellent option, as it won’t take up much floor space or be in your way while you’re gardening. It is easy to move the heater from one location to another, as it weighs just 2 kg and has a carry handle and castor wheels attached.
At the bottom, you will find a cable tidy to store the cord and plug when you are not using your heater. Automatic overheat protection and a tip-over switch are included for safety.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 38 X 28 X 14 cm
- Weight: 2kg
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Electric
- Heat Output: 800W
- Safety: automatic overheat protection system and tip-over switch
- Cord Length: 1.5 metre
What do people say about it? The 6 fins heat up instantly, and the heat radiates throughout the space almost immediately. This small heater is also silent, and the adjustable temperature control is quite convenient and works without problems.
Pros:
- Thermostat control
- Instant heat that lingers
- No noise
- Portable
Cons:
- Nothing obvious
To summarise
There are many oil-filled radiators are on the market, but few have as many positive reviews as the Schallen 800W Portable Oil Radiator. It’s a well-functioning paraffin heater that’s also easy to handle. Should you need a larger model, Scahellen has these ones as well: 1,500W with 7 fins, 2,000W with 9 fins, and 2,500W with 11 fins.
2. Sunhouse Tubular Greenhouse Heater
Designed to run continuously, the Sunhouse Tubular Greenhouse Heater will keep your enclosed garden frost-free at all times without taking up any space. The tube and casing combined measure 713 mm in length, and with the brackets supplied, wall-mounting the device is fairly straightforward. With 80W output, this electric greenhouse heater will heat to its maximum setting, and continue to operate in periodic cycles to ensure a steady temperature.
As it’s IPX4-rated, this tube heater is splash-proof, so you can safely install it along the wall of your greenhouse.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7 X5 X 83 cm
- Power Source: Electric
- Wattage: 80 W
- Water resistance: IPX4
What do people say about it? Most customers are happy with the heater’s durability; even after long-term use, the device continues working without issues. The mounting only allows for backside installation, which can be difficult in an all-glass greenhouse. Because of this, some users had to resort to building a wooden rack, then mounting the Sunhouse Tubular Greenhouse Heater to it.
On the upside, this heater easily keeps the space frost-free and costs close to nothing to operate.
Pros:
- Cheap to operate
- Compact
- Splash-proof
- Thermostat-controlled
Cons:
- Does not heat the surrounding air
- Wall mounting can be an issue in an all-glass Greenhouse.
To summarise
The Sunhouse Tubular Greenhouse Heater offers a great way to prevent frost damage in your greenhouse without spending a fortune on electricity. It’s also affordable, so you can purchase several of these for a larger space without splurging.
3. Dimplex ECOT2FT Tubular Greenhouse Heater
During winter, the main objective is to keep your greenhouse frost-free; for this, the Dimplex ECOT2FT Tubular Greenhouse Heater is an ideal option. Its 40W provides a subtle background heat — just enough to keep your plants from freezing — without heating the whole space.
Also, this device has an adjustable thermostat that allows you to control the heat output and keep your garden just above the freezing level.
The mounting bracket lets you install the Dimplex ECOT2FT Tubular Greenhouse Heater at either the wall or the floor.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 43 cm
- Weight: 700 g
- Power Source: Electric
- Wattage: 40W
- Safety: Auto-reset thermal overload cut-out / IPX4
- Cord Length: 1.5 metres
What do people say about it? The vast majority of customers are incredibly pleased with the Dimplex ECOT2FT Tubular Greenhouse Heater. It produces enough heat to ward off frost, and costs around £1-2 per month to run.
Pros:
- Extremely cost-efficient
- Compact
- Splash-proof
Cons:
- It is merely for frost-protection
To summarise
The Dimplex ECOT2FT Tubular Greenhouse Heater is an apt choice if all you need is frost control. It’s easy to install, and the thermostat control lets you keep the heater working at all times. Depending on how large your greenhouse is, you may need several of these to maintain the right temperature.
4. Biogreen WM p5 Warmax Greenhouse Heater
Biogreen WM p5 Warmax Greenhouse Heater is a reliable and robust heater for smaller enclosures. Operating at the lowest setting, it functions well great as a frost-guard. The heater runs on paraffin and has a 4.5-litre tank capacity, which delivers heat for up to 3.5 days.
This relatively small paraffin heater has a maximum heat output of 600W, and can distribute warmth to an area of 5m2.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 49 x 34 cm
- Weight: 2.94 kg
- Power Source: Paraffin
- Heat Output: 600W
- Tank capacity: 4.5 litres
- Burning time 3.5 days
What do people say about it? Most people who bought the Biogreen WM p5 Warmax Greenhouse Heater meant to use it as frost-guard, and as such, it seems to work without issues. The fact that the burners can operate individually makes for a simple way to control the heat output.
The wicks are around 30cm, and at the lowest setting, a few millimetres should last for several days. It’s excellent for keeping frost away from your newly planted tomato plants, and costs little to operate.
Pros:
- Great frost-guard
- No assembly or mounting
- Low-cost
- Portable
Cons:
- You have to refill the paraffin.
- You have to replace the wicks
To summarise
This powerful paraffin burner is easy to operate, and an obvious choice if you lack electric outlets in the greenhouse. The Biogreen WM p5 Warmax Greenhouse Heater can burn for several days without any interference, and even longer when used as a frost guard.
5. Eden Gas Greenhouse Heater 2kW
This 2,000W Propane-powered gas heater is reliable, powerful, and ideal for a ventilated or semi-enclosed garden. The heater is thermostat-controlled, with a self-ignition piezo button that allows it to switch on and off depending on the ambient temperature.
The Eden Gas Greenhouse Heater 2kW comes with a hose and a 37Mbar regulator to control how much fuel goes in, and help avoid overheating. This heater is CE-approved, so it’s up to EU standards. A single 13kg bottle of propane lasts approximately 14 days at medium setting.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 30 X 13 X 48 cm
- Weight: 4 kg
- Power Source: Propane
- Heat Output: 2000W
- Safety: Oxygen Depletion System /Safety Valve
What do people say about it? The thermostat-controlled self-ignition system is almost unheard of in gas greenhouse heaters, and that’s what sets this model apart. The device’s durability also gets tonnes of praise. Moreover, it heats an average-size greenhouse quickly, and when it runs 24/7 on the medium setting, the greenhouse can retain a temperature of around 14°C with outdoor temps of about 5°C.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Durable
- Thermostat-controlled
- For safety, oxygen depletion system measures the level of oxygen in the ambient air
Cons:
- Proper ventilation is required
- Expensive to run
To summarise
This isn’t the cheapest of gas heaters to run 24/7. But, if you fancy staying warm while gardening, the Eden Gas 2kW is one of the better gas greenhouse heaters out there.
If you intend to operate the device for an extended time, be sure to provide proper ventilation to avoid Carbon Monoxide build-up.
6. Bio Green PAL Greenhouse Heater
The Bio Green PAL Greenhouse Heater is a floor-standing, durable fan heater made of stainless steel. Despite the compact design, it boasts a powerful output of 2,000W. And, the circulation fan is specifically designed for use in greenhouses, and apparently helps prevent mould growth.
What’s more, it’s fairly energy-efficient, so the running costs won’t overwhelm you. Also note that the heater’s feet are coated with non-slip rubber, and a carry handle makes it easy to bring the unit with you.
And, with a rating of IPX4, you can rest assured that this heater is splash-proof.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 28 x 19.5 x 31.5 cm
- Weight: 5 kg
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Power: Electric 230V
- Heat Output: 2000W
- Water resistance: IPX4
What do people say about it? The Bio Green PAL Greenhouse Heater is sturdy, quiet, and economical, with an accurate internal thermostat. The heater gets praise for its versatility — you can use it as a frost damage guard, space heater, and ventilator, alternating the modes from its controls.
The Bio Green PAL Heater rapidly heats a space to a comfortable level where you can relax for hours during winter. But unfortunately, the cord is almost 2 metres, so finding a nearby outlet isn’t much of a challenge.
Pros:
- Thermostat control
- Economical
- Durable
- Portable
Cons:
- Expensive
To summarise
If you’re looking for a greenhouse heater with a thermostat, the Bio Green PAL is the model for you. What’s more, you needn’t fret about potentially lethal Carbon Monoxide building up in your enclosed garden — unlike gas greenhouse heaters, the Bio Green PAL Heater runs entirely on electricity. Surprisingly, this doesn’t translate into a weaker heat output either — you get a solid 2,000W of power to keep yourself and your plants warm.
How to Choose the Right Greenhouse Heater?
I’ve dug up the best greenhouse heaters out there, but how do you know which one is right for you?
- Electric oil-filled radiators are great. They will heat up the entire space and keep you comfortably warm, so you can enjoy your greenhouse for hours even in the coldest months. What’s more, these electric greenhouse heaters are efficient, too — because oil can stay hot for an extended time, the radiator will keep emitting heat even after it’s been turned off.
- Electric fan heaters are powerful and fast. They quickly generate sufficient heat to warm up your greenhouse; however, the temperature rapidly drops back to previous levels when the device is switched off. Due to this flaw, fan heaters are a bit less efficient — and more expensive — to operate than their oil-filled peers. For a quick boost of hot air that keeps you warm for a short while, however, fan heaters are excellent.
- Electric tube heaters and paraffin fuelled heaters are used to keep a greenhouse frost-free, not to make the occupants feel warm. If you don’t mind wearing layers while gardening, you won’t need anything more than the subtle wattage they provide. Your choice will be both cost-efficient and suitable, as both electric tube heaters and refillable paraffin heaters are excellent at preventing frost.
- Gas heaters give off tonnes of heat, so you can count on one to keep you and your plants toasty no matter how cold it is outside. However, it is essential to have proper ventilation to avoid Carbon Monoxide build-up, which is extremely dangerous for both you and your plants. Gas heaters are only meant to be used in open or semi-enclosed spaces and are a great option when you don’t have a nearby electric outlet.
Spare a Thought for Power and Wattage
The lower the wattage, the less energy your greenhouse heater consumes. Keep this in mind if you’re simply looking to keep your conservatory frost-free, and are not interested in using it as a lounge area. On the other hand, if you want to grow tropical plants all winter, you will need a larger greenhouse heater with a high wattage to produce and maintain the desired temperature.
Greenhouse Heater FAQ
Are Paraffin Heaters Safe for in a Greenhouse?
Yes, generally speaking, it is considered safe to use paraffin heaters in a greenhouse. However, you will want to make sure you use high-grade paraffin and ensure you have adequate ventilation.
What Kind of Heater is Best for a Greenhouse?
The right heater depends on your specific needs. If you are looking for a heater to prevent frost damage, then a tubular heater is your best option. However, for more general heating, either an eclectic fan heater or paraffin heaters are your best bet.
Can You Use a Radiator to Heat a Greenhouse?
Yes, you can use radiators to heat your greenhouse. Both flat panel and oil-filled radiators are valid heating options. Depending on the size and general location of your greenhouse, the right heater for your needs will vary.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Greenhouse Heater
Have you used any greenhouse heaters that you like? Or any of the ones I listed here? If you have, please share your experience with our readers by l