10 Best Seedling Heat Mats Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Seedling Heat Mat Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide

 

Searching for the best seedling heat mat can be a tiring journey and we have decided to make it easier for you. We have analyzed the most popular products being sold right now and have made a list of 10 seedling heat mat reviews that will help you decide which one is best for your needs. After examining all the quality aspects as well as the user reviews, we have concluded that the Vivosun Durable Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat is a great choice. It keeps the soil temperature between 10 and 20 degrees and keeps the temperature evenly distributed. It is waterproof and made of high-quality materials, easy to store and very flexible. It is eco-friendly, generating only 18 watts, and a great choice for people who want to buy a heating mat that will last for years. The Vivosun Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo is also a good choice if the first one is not available.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Seedling Heat Mats (Updated Reviews) in 2024

 

 

To make your job of finding a great seedling heat mat easier, we have analyzed 10 of the most popular products on the market and looked at their features, quality, and user reviews to provide you with the help you need to decide what the best one for you is according to your needs. 

 

 

1. Vivosun Durable Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat

 

The VIVOSUN Seedling Heat Mat is a professional model that is perfect for maintaining a soil temperature 10 to 20 degrees higher than the temperature in the air. Its flexibility is perfect for intense use and the materials it is made of make it durable enough to use it for several seasons. 

The connection of the cord to the actual heat mat is fortified, offering extra durability. This heating mat is waterproof, an essential safety feature that ensures that the mat will not deteriorate if there is water leaking from the pots. 

It is big enough for standard tray dimensions and is eco-friendly, generating only 18 watts. The mat has one layer of insulation that covers the heating layer and comes with a storage bag. You can roll it up to store, but do not worry, when you use it, it flattens because of the heat.

 

Pros

It is very flexible and it rolls up easily for occupying less storage space than other similar products.

It is waterproof, an essential feature for any high-quality heating mat that ensures safe use.

Its dimensions make it perfect for any standard trays so you will not have to purchase extra fitting ones.

It comes with its own storage bag, so you will not have to worry about buying one yourself.

The connection between the mat and the power cord is fortified which gives the mat durability.

It comes with a 1-year warranty, ensuring the high quality this heating mat has.

The extra insulation layer prevents the overheating of the soil, keeping the temperature constant without deteriorating the seeds.

The cord is very long so that you can easily reach your electrical outlets.

 

Cons

You have to make sure that you store it properly so that you will not damage its electrical part.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Vivosun Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo

 

This combo set from VIVOSUN is composed of a heating mat and a thermostat, making it the ultimate heating mat set. The actual mat is a high-quality product made of a very flexible material that respects all the MET standards and the entire set ensures safe use. 

It comes with a 1-year warranty because the manufacturers have ensured a fortified connection between the wire and the mat and have made the mat waterproof so that they can provide a high-quality product that you will be able to use for a long time after you purchase it.  

The thermostat controller is easy to use as it has only 3 functions. It is compatible with any heat mat and you can use it in Fahrenheit mode as well as Celsius. The mat is designed to maintain even heat and not to overheat the soil due to its extra insulation layer. The soil temperature is kept the same 24 hours a day.

 

Pros

The heating mat comes with a universal thermostat controller, so you will not have to purchase one separately.

It has a storage bag for extra convenience, and it is also MET standard compliant.

It is very flexible and can be easily rolled so that it doesn’t take a lot of space during the time that you are not using it.

The multilayer design does not allow the soil to overheat so you won’t have to worry about turning the mat on and off as the temperature is kept even for 24 hours a day.

It is versatile and can be used for greenhouse, fermentation, as well as kombucha.

It is waterproof and the connection between the wire and the electrical plugin cord is fortified.

It comes with a 1-year warranty.

 

Cons

The thermostat controller can be used for only one heating pad so if you have several of them, even if the controller is universally compatible, you won’t be able to use it for more than one mat at a time.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Seedfactor Met certified Seedling Heat Mat

 

The seedling heating mat from Seedfactor is a versatile product that is MET standard compliant. It keeps the soil at a temperature between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit that is kept constant 24 hours a day. The mat is flexible and can be rolled up when you store it.

It comes in different sizes, that have different power capacities, and you can order the right one for your needs after you measure your trays. The material it is made of is waterproof, easy to clean and also heat resistant. The cylindrical SJTW power cord is resistant at temperatures of up to 105 degrees.

The cord is 5.9 feet long and it is very robust and it is also waterproof. The heating mat has the capacity of creating the perfect environment for the seeds to sprout and for the roots of your plants to develop healthily. It is very easy to use.

 

Pros

The heat resistance feature keeps your worries away, as the material that the mat is made of can withstand temperatures up to 105 degrees. 

The material is also water-resistant and easy to clean.

You can order it in 4 dimensions and each of them has the same high-quality features.

The cord is very long so you are not constrained to place it near the electrical outlet.

It keeps a constant temperature that creates a flourishing environment for the seeds.

It is very flexible so it will not be a problem to store it without occupying a lot of space.

It is made of durable materials so you can see it as a long-term investment.

Its multilayer design ensures an even heating temperature so that all of your seeds have the same environment.

 

Cons

You have to make sure that the mat is not rolled while it is plugged in because it can overheat.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. Ohuhu Seedling Heat Mat

 

This seedling mat is every gardener’s dream. It is made of PVC, a material that has highly powerful waterproof properties that you can splash and water spray. This is great because you will not have to do much to clean it, just rinse it thoroughly and wipe it with a dry cloth.

It is large enough to fit the standard tray size and keeps the temperature of the soil 10 to 20 Fahrenheit degrees above the room temperature. It is great for indoor gardening and is MET standard compliant. 

It has a 5 layer design that keeps the temperature constant and even 24 hours a day, without damaging the roots of your plants. It has an insulating pet layer that ensures double insulation for safe use. It comes with a 6 feet long power cord and a storage bag in which you can put the mat after you roll it up.

 

Pros

The 6 feet long power cord allows you to place the mat anywhere in the room without being constrained to place it near an electrical power wall plug.

The 5 layer design offers more safety than other similar products because it has 2 extra insulated layers that prevent the overheating of the roots, allowing your plants and seeds to grow happily and comfortably.

It is flexible and strong, the material it is made of is resistant to corrosion and durable so that you can use the mat for a long time after you purchase it.

You can leave it on 24 hours a day without worrying about overheating due to its design and due to the materials that it is made of.

 

Cons

Some users have complained that it can get a bit hot, but if you use a thermostat controller you will not have to worry about this issue.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. Vivohome 20 W Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat

 

This heating mat from VIVOHOME is specially made for seed germination and propagation. It is a great choice for people who want to start growing vegetables or any other plants during the winter in an indoor environment. It is a professional mat that will help your plants grow faster. 

It is MET safety compliant and the technology it is made with makes it very safe to use. Made of PVC, a material that is resistant to tears and corrosion, this heating mat has a multi-layer design that incorporates the wires which are insulated so that the mat will not overheat.

It is waterproof and very easy to clean. It has a single-piece sealed cord that prevents damage and ensures resistance to water. It comes with instructions about how to use it written on the mat so that they are always at hand. You can also use it as a heating mat for your pets.

 

Pros

It is very safe to use as it comes with a technology that seals the material so that liquids will never be able to reach the electrical system.

It warms the soil at the optimum temperature for the seeds to germinate and it keeps that temperature constant so that the seeds can flourish and thrive.

It is versatile and can be used for seeds and plants indoors and in greenhouses and it can also be used as a heating mat for your pets because it is MET safety compliant.

It is flexible and can be stored rolled up so that it won’t take so much space.

You can leave it on 24 hours a day without worrying that the mat will overheat.

 

Cons

Some users have complained about the fact that the mat stopped heating at some point, so a good practice would be to check it once in a while.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. Vivosun 48 “x20.75” Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Set

 

This combo set from VIVOSUN is a professional kit that is specially made for horticultural systems. This means that it keeps the temperature at optimum temperature levels. The optimum temperature for seeds is between 68 and 86 Fahrenheit degrees and this mat will keep it that way so that the plants have a healthy start.

The size of this mat is bigger than the usual size of similar products because it is made for professional use – it is 40 per 20.75 inches. However, it helps you grow anything you want in your home or greenhouse as well. It is waterproof and has been tested for extreme temperatures, as it is MET standard compliant.

The kit also contains a thermostat controller that is very easy to use and shows the temperature with high accuracy. It can be used in two modes, Fahrenheit and Celsius, depending on what you are used to.

 

Pros

It is highly durable because of the materials that it is made of which are strong and do not deteriorate quickly.

Due to its multi-layer construction, it is very safe to use because the insulation layers inside the mat prevent it from overheating.

The MET standards expect maximum waterproof levels so this heating mat, as it is made for professional use and has to be MET compliant, offers just that.

It is easy to clean and very easy to store, as it can be rolled up and it does not occupy a lot of space.

 

Cons

For people who want to use it for recreational gardening, this mat might be a little bit large. As not everyone wants to germinate and grow a lot of plants, it might be big, but it has such a high quality, that it is perfect for gardening enthusiasts as well as for professional use.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. Namotek Seedling Heat Mat

 

The NAMOTEK mat is a great product for home gardening. Small in size, like almost every other similar product, it keeps the perfect environment for your seeds and plants to thrive and have a great start so that they grow to be healthy and flourishing adult plants. 

The PVC it is made of is a material that is highly durable, resistant to corrosion and it does not tear easily. Due to its design and isolation system, this mat is waterproof and it can be cleaned easily with a water rinse. It is best to wipe it with a dry cloth afterward. You can leave it on 24 hours a day to keep the temperature constant for a long period.

It is versatile and it can be used for different purposes like brewing beer and making Kombucha tea. The power cord measures 5.7 inches and has a power of 45 watts.

 

Pros

It has a medium size, perfect if you do not want to germinate large seed quantities and if you do not use it professionally.

It is practical and versatile, as you can use it for purposes other than gardening, like brewing beer.

It is highly durable due to the strong PVC it is made of, so you will be able to use it for an extended period as long as you use it properly.

It is waterproof, therefore it won’t be a problem if you spill water on it while watering your plants and the cleaning will be easy to do, as you can rinse it with water.

 

Cons

Some users have complained that it overheated and caught on fire. This happens only if you are not careful to use it properly, according to the instructions on the mat. Make sure to check it once in a while so that it does not overheat.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

8. Ohuhu Seedling Heating Mat 2 Pack

 

This cheap seedling heat mat set from Ohuhu comes with two units that can make your gardening experience more enjoyable. The mats are made of high-quality materials and help keep a constant soil temperature that is 10 to 20 Fahrenheit degrees higher than room temperature. It is great for seed germination during the winter or during cold periods.

A mat measures 10 per 20.75 inches, the regular seedling heat mat size, and the power cord measures 6 feet, perfect if you can not place the pad very close to a power plug. The instructions on how to use the heating mat are written on it and the nice thing about it is that you have a list of how many days it takes until different seeds germinate.

It is waterproof and durable due to the PVC it is made of and it is very easy to clean and store, as the PVC is flexible enough to allow you to roll up the mat.

 

Pros

It is practical and economical because it is a pack of two mats.

It will last for a long time due to the high-quality PVC the mats are made of, which is resistant to corrosion and tears.

The multi-layer design prevents the mat from overheating, keeping an even temperature all throughout the day, essential for proper seed germination conditions.

It is waterproof and easy to clean by rinsing it thoroughly.

The cord is long enough so that you can place it far from the electrical power plug.

The instructions are written on the mat and you also have the germination period list of 15 different plant seeds, which saves research time.

 

Cons

It would be awesome if this kit would come with a thermostat controller, but it doesn’t, you have to order it separately. However, this way you can purchase one that can be used for multiple mats at the same time.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

9. Hydgooho Seedling Heat Mat 2 Pack

 

This is also a 2-pack set that comes with two average-sized mats which are highly resistant to water and other liquids. Even though they have this property, you should always avoid emerging them into the water while they are plugged in. However, you can clean them easily by rinsing them while they are unplugged.

The HYDGOOHO mats are designed to be used for plant germination and propagation. But they can also be used as heating pads for your pet because they keep a constant temperature that is 10 to 20 degrees higher than the room temperature. 

However, you should always talk to your vet before doing that to know what temperatures are safe for your little friend. They are easy to store as the material they are made of is easily foldable. The best way to store them is rolled up so that you will not damage the internal electrical wires.

 

Pros

It is a 2-pack, so you save money by ordering it like this.

It is durable due to the high-quality material it is made of.

The waterproof feature is great for when you are watering the plants because you won’t have to think about spilling water on the mat.

It has an intelligent electric system that helps to keep the temperature even on the surface of the mat.

You can leave it on 24 hours a day, but do not forget to check it once in a while to make sure that everything is ok.

They are small and are perfect for home gardening when you do not want to grow many plants.

 

Cons

You have to buy the thermostat controller separately. However, this is the only flaw that we have found in this product as all the reviews are on the good side, nobody had major complaints about using it.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

10. iPower GLHTMTLX2 2 Pack Durable Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat

 

In this seedling heat mat review we are going to tell you all about the waterproof model from iPower. This is a part of the professional heating mats and it is relatively large measuring 48 per 20 inches. The package comes with two mats that have the same size.

It is an affordable seedling heat mat made of a material that ensures water resistance and easy cleaning and it keeps the perfect environment for germination, seedling, and propagation by raising the temperature of the soil by 10 to 20 Fahrenheit degrees above room temperature. It has a power of 100 watts which ensures that the mat is evenly heated all across its surface.

It comes with a 1-year warranty and all the instructions you need are written on one side of each mat so that the information is available any time you need it. The material they are made of is flexible and can be folded so that you can store them properly.

 

Pros

The iPower mat is highly durable due to its multi-layer design that provides extra insulation and heavy-duty usage, making it perfect for professional use.

The 1-year warranty is proof of its high quality.

It can be used for propagating, germinating, and seedling many plants due to its size.

It has high-power that ensures even heating 24 hours a day.

It is waterproof and very easy to clean.

There are two mats in one package and are made of a material that does not tear easily.

The user instructions are very detailed and everything is thoroughly explained.

It provides safe use and it is also environmentally friendly because it consumes minimum amounts of electrical energy.

 

Cons

The mats might be a little bit large for home use if you do not want to grow as many plants at a time. However, you can order it in a smaller size if you think that the benefits it provides are the ones you need.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Gardening enthusiasts might have a hard time during the winter when their gardening experience might be limited due to harsh weather conditions. The good news is that they can use seedling heat mats that can keep them busy doing what they love even in the periods of time that are not proper for seed germination.

Finding the proper product to help you do that might seem tiring, but if you pay attention to a few basic rules, it is very easy to find the mat that suits your needs. You should first make a list of how many plants you want to grow, the space you have, the number of electrical plugs that are nearby and other special needs that the seeds you want to germinate have.

The first thing you should know is that a high-quality heating mat is not very expensive, so don’t be fooled by the price. Most of the best products in this category are highly affordable. That’s why it is a pity not to use them during the winter.

Water resistance

The first important thing to look for when you want to buy a good mat is water resistance. A heating mat should be water-resistant because when you water your plants, you might spill some on the mat so it is very important to keep safe and avoid electrocuting yourself. If the mat is waterproof, it is easier to clean and it saves a lot of time.

Always make sure that the connection of the power cord to the heating pad is properly insulated and that the power cord is waterproof as well.

 

Size

If you want to germinate only a few seeds, it is no use to buy a very large mat. You will only waste energy. Heating mats come in different sizes, from 10 per 10 inches to 40 per 20 inches. Buy exactly what you need. If you want to grow many plants in your greenhouse during the winter, you can buy a large one and, if that is not enough, you can buy more.

Power

The power of a mat is important but you should always consider the size of the mat and the room temperature. The optimum temperature for seeds to germinate is between 68 and 86 Fahrenheit degrees, so if the room temperature is very low, the mat needs a higher power to be able to ensure the proper temperature of the soil. 

Seedling heating mats usually go from 15 to 150 watts, so you have to analyze your need so that you can purchase the right one for you. The ones that have to keep the temperature 10 to 20 degrees above room temperature usually have between 15 and 21 watts of power.

 

The thermostat controller

Some heating mats come with a thermostat controller and others don’t. The important thing to know is that if the package does not provide one, you should always use one even if you have to buy it separately. It measures the temperature of the soil so that the mat can heat just enough to provide the proper germination environment.

There are thermostat controllers that can hold multiple mats at the same time. A great practice is to have a controller for the soil and one for the air in the room so that you can properly assess the temperature that the heating mat has to provide according to the room temperature.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q: What is a seedling heat mat?

The seedling heat mat is also called a propagation mat which helps keep the temperatures of the soil in perfect conditions so that the seeds can germinate quicker. The most important thing to remember is that, even if you want to grow flowers or vegetables, or any kind of plants in a greenhouse, the soil temperature will always be lower than the air temperature.

If you want your seeds to germinate, a seedling heat mat is a must that helps you keep the soil temperature constant. Seeds germinate quicker when they can enjoy the warmth of the soil, without having to go through cooling periods. 

The seedling heat mats are similar to pet heating mats, the heating system is almost the same, but most of them are equipped with a thermostat that allows you to keep the temperature constant. They have an electric plug that has to be in all the time.

Q: How do I use a seedling heat mat?

The seedling heating mat usually comes with a thermostat controller and an electric plug. You have to place the heating mat underneath your pots and plug it into the thermostat controller. After you have done that, you have to plug it in. 

Some people think that it is ok that you leave it plugged in during the night and unplug it during the day, but this is not ok. The preconception that the soil is warmer during the day might mislead you. The soil might be a little bit warmer, but not warm enough.

So the main and most important thing is to leave the mat plugged in twenty-four-seven so that the soil temperature is constant and that your seedlings germinate safely. You can plug multiple mats in the same controller if you have one that allows you to do that, so you do not have to buy one for every mat you own.

 

Q: How hot do seedling heat mats get?

The role of a seedling heating mat is to keep the soil’s temperature at an optimum level so that it can germinate and develop during the cold temperatures. Usually, if you use it properly, the soil temperature should be 10 to 20 Fahrenheit degrees higher than the room temperature. 

Seedling mats are usually used with a thermostat controller which doesn’t allow the mat to overheat and keeps the soil temperature between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you have to use the controller properly. There are controllers that have two measurement units, one for the air temperature and one for the soil temperature so you can not go wrong.

But remember, always use a thermostat controller to make sure that the mat does not overheat. The materials that mats are made of can usually handle higher temperatures without catching on fire, but do not rely on that, try to keep it safe.