How did science help an ordinary man? Of course, self-driving cars powered by solar cells are a great thing to be excited for, but I'm a practical man. I like things which I can use today if I want to, and that things need to improve my life quality, and to be useful. As far as I’m concerned, one the best things which man had made recently are growing tents.
Although many people are connecting those with a growing of marijuana, this is not the only usage you can come up with. Tomatoes in the middle of the winter plucked straight from your tent are the best possible reward. So, without further delay, here's my list of the best grow tents available, followed by some explanation.
Rank | Image | Product Name | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5 |  | 84 | ||
4 |  | 85 | ||
3 |  |
90
/100
| ||
2 |  | 95 | ||
1 |  | 97 |
*Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
What is a growing tent?
Imagine a greenhouse. Big, spacey and overflowing with green plants. Now, squeeze that into a box size a little bit smaller than a closet. That is growing tent, in short terms.
Since the population of our planet is booming, every inch of space must be used the best possible way. By using this kind of tent, you can have plants in your house, although the basement is a better option. Throw in the mix some fancy lights to imitate the sunlight, different inputs and outputs, and this modern day wonder starts to look like something from "Star Trek" TV show.
The variation of the construction may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the basics are the same. You have the frame made of durable material, over which is stretched two-layered fabric. The outer layer is for protection, and to make sure that as less light as possible goes outside. The inner one is made to contain the light inside, by reflecting it. The more light contained, the better.
Of course, additional options will include power outlets, air openings, and windows. The more you have of those, the better because it gives a higher number of possibilities.
What to look after when buying?
Even though this kind of tent is somewhat known, people still tend to forget what are the most important parameters when they are obtaining a new one. Go through this list, and see if you have forgotten something.
The price
Of course that the most applied philosophy is to spend as less as possible, but sometimes this is not the best option. For example, if you choose the cheapest one, it may last much shorter than intended; therefore you will have to spend more money on a new one. Initially, you should invest a bit more, and the expensive one (should) last longer, thus paying off at the end.
Materials
As I said, modern technology made us capable of producing almost anything. The materials of which the tent is made are of the utmost importance, and more quality ones will raise the price a bit. For example, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) will release toxic fumes when heated, which will almost certainly kill the plant, and can even damage your or your families health. Therefore, you need to look for those made of fire resistant materials, and always look for those materials which are certified to be fire proof.
Also, fabric, as well as the materials overall, should be tear resistant, thus prolonging the life span of the tent. Seals and zippers are the most vulnerable points and make sure that these are properly secured and sewn down the right way. You will see marks on every tent, saying for example 600D. The “D” is measuring unit, with 1D being the strength of a single silk string. So, with this number higher, it means that the fabric is stronger.
The frame
The backbone of every tent, the frame is also an important thing to look after. Highly durable materials such as stainless steel are far less susceptible to wearing out, but this material will increase the price and the overall weight of the tent. The best choice is to go for the one durable enough to sustain the weight of the fabric, and still to be as light as possible.
The size
Many people tend to forget to measure the room which is available for them to install the tent. The best advice would be to plan in advance and to see where you will put your tent. Also, see if you have power outlets nearby and that the walls will not the block the window on the tent if there is any. Although this requires a bit of your time and energy, do it as best as possible, because it will save you the trouble later, when the tent arrives, and you determine that it will not fit.
Luckily, every manufacturer will point out the measurements clearly, and be sure that the tent fits your measurements (do not mix feet and meters).
The additional equipment
The bigger the tent, the better. Although this statement will some people take for granted, it is not always that way. Usually, larger tents sport more connectors for air, electricity and similar appliances. Those must be the best quality made, because any malfunction may cause severe damage, with a possibly fatal outcome.
Current Popular Grow Tents On The Market – My Reviews:
Among the many available products on the market, I have managed to pick out several of which I think will suit you the best. Here’s how they fare:
Rank | Image | Product Name | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5 | | 84 | ||
4 | | 85 | ||
3 | |
90
/100
| ||
2 | | 95 | ||
1 | | 97 |
*Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
5. Apollo Horticulture 48”x48”x80” – well suited for beginners
Editor's Rating: 84/100
Price on Amazon: [amazon_link asins='B00H9O6UJ0' template='PriceLink' store='gardeningwizards-20' marketplace='US' link_id='935cce66-1635-11e7-bbf8-13d3034b13b5']
The first model I took into consideration is this one. This tent is an excellent choice if you are a beginner in this field, and it is effortless to assemble. The frame is made of metal, making it sturdy and reliable. Although it sports click mechanism which makes joining easy, you will still need an assistant, because it is somewhat difficult to do it on your own.
Light containment is quite good as well, although there might be some leaking but nothing drastic. Also, the window might prove to be a bit troublesome.
As for the cleaning, it includes tray which can be removed and washed with water. It comes in only one size, which is a minus. This minus is crossed out with 30-day return clause which is guaranteed by the manufacturer. Overall, this is a perfect product for people who want to try out indoor grow tents.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn’t Like
4. Apollo Horticulture 60”x60”x80” – When beginner becomes a pro
Editor's Rating: 85/100
Price on Amazon: [amazon_link asins='B00H9NGP8C' template='PriceLink' store='gardeningwizards-20' marketplace='US' link_id='935cce66-1635-11e7-bbf8-13d3034b13b5']
The first model I took into consideration is this one. This tent is an excellent choice if you are a beginner in this field, and it is effortless to assemble. The frame is made of metal, making it sturdy and reliable. Although it sports click mechanism which makes joining easy, you will still need an assistant, because it is somewhat difficult to do it on your own.
Light containment is quite good as well, although there might be some leaking but nothing drastic. Also, the window might prove to be a bit troublesome.
As for the cleaning, it includes tray which can be removed and washed with water. It comes in only one size, which is a minus. This minus is crossed out with 30-day return clause which is guaranteed by the manufacturer. Overall, this is a perfect product for people who want to try out indoor grow tents.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn’t Like
3. VIVOSUN 48"x48"x80" Mylar Hydroponic Grow Tent – big solution
Editor's Rating: 90/100
Price on Amazon: [amazon_link asins='B01731MNJE' template='PriceLink' store='gardeningwizards-20' marketplace='US' link_id='935cce66-1635-11e7-bbf8-13d3034b13b5']
My next tent is from Vivosun manufacturer. First thing visible is its size and the abundance of choices. With 48"x48"x80" this tent is among smaller ones. In case that you are not planning on growing a lot of plants, this might be a right choice, and you can even opt for a bigger one later. The targeting group for the manufacturer is everyone, from beginners to big time ones.
The frame looks sturdy enough, but the problem might be the poles, which are painted in green, so there is a small percentage of light which will be absorbed. It would be better if those were plain white, so this is an objection. No hooks or similar equipment for your accessories whatsoever. Putting it together requires some effort, and it’s better done with a pair of helping hands.
The zippers are of good quality, the fabric is double-stitched and sturdy, but there might be some pin holes where the light will leak, of both fabric and zippers. Ventilation sleeves are double layered with the adjustable ending, and there are not enough of those as I would like. The price might seem a bit high, but when compared to the size of it, this grow tent is not overpriced.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn’t Like
2. iPower 96"x48"x80" Hydroponic Water-Resistant – For all growers
Editor's Rating: 95/100
Price on Amazon: [amazon_link asins='B00SUEHYJ8' template='PriceLink' store='gardeningwizards-20' marketplace='US' link_id='935cce66-1635-11e7-bbf8-13d3034b13b5']
In case that you are not a beginner, this tent can be just the thing for you. It has enough space, concerning that it is 96”x48”, with a standard height of 80”. Although you can put enough plants inside, this also means that it must be put in your basement, because it is too big for a room.
The frame is made of white painted steel poles which are more than enough in numbers and are easy to assemble, with a click in the system. As I said, white color reflects the light, and while this index is rather small, you can get a few percent of it just because of the color.
The material is of resistant double stitched and pretty light resistant material. What makes this model stand out from the crowd is the number of doors. The frontal part can be zipped off so that you can put pots inside quickly, and to monitor your plants, you have two smaller back doors. Zippers are average at best because the material keeps getting stuck, which reduces its lifespan significantly.
The price is quite low, and when I take into consideration that this is one big growing tent, it is clear that is a great deal.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn’t Like
1. Hydroplanet™ 96x48x80 Mylar Hydroponic – the strong one
Editor's Rating: 97/100
Price on Amazon: [amazon_link asins='B019J3FPLW' template='PriceLink' store='gardeningwizards-20' marketplace='US' link_id='935cce66-1635-11e7-bbf8-13d3034b13b5']
Another big growing tent, this one had improved its material component over those which are offered by the competition. The material is waterproof, which means that you can spray your plants with which ever nutrients and growth stimulants without even a drop leaving the tent.
The frame is made of sturdy and heavy duty tubes which can support quite the burden without bending in or twist. Also painted white, they improve reflection even further. The stitches are excellent, so there will be no light leaks.
A sufficient number of openings are there to secure that you will be able to attach whichever fan or device you wish. The only issue is that modifying the openings is done from the inside, but once you set it in place, it will not move or leak.
The price may be a tad higher than usual, but this is well compensated by the quality of the product, as well as the service overall. The manufacturer gives a two-year warranty, so there will be nothing to worry about if it breaks before that time.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn’t Like
The best grow tent is…
All things taken into consideration, I have to point out Hydroplanet™ 96x48x80 Mylar Hydroponic as the best choice currently available. Although its price goes up by a notch from its competitors, it is well-compensated with quality and reliability.
In any case, you have plenty of choices out there, and if you have some useful tips or pieces of advice, feel free to share it in the comment section below
