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Gone are the days when you would need a large backyard and a healthy soil around your house to grow good quality fruits and vegetables on your own. Nowadays, science has advanced so much that you can get a conservative environment right in your home where you can cultivate your favorite plants and get confirmed results in all weather conditions.
Yes, we are talking about hydroponic systems. These systems have gotten quite popular recently and there are a lot of brands that are offering a hydroponic system at a very affordable price range. Here are some things that you need to know about a hydroponic system before you can buy one yourself.
- Type of Hydroponic System: Before you dive into various options available around you for a hydroponic system, take a step back and try to understand the various types of systems available on the market so that you can choose the one that suits your usage the best. There are ebb and flow, wicking beds, NFT, drip irrigation, aeroponics, and many other options available out there, each offering compatibility with a different range of plantations.
- Available Space: The overall size of the system you are buying also affects your application a lot. Apart from the installation of the unit in your house, it also changes what type of plants you can cultivate in the system, as some plants require more space while some are not as space-consuming. So, make sure you carefully check the dimensions of the hydroponic system before you choose an option.
- Temperature Conditions: If you have any prior experience in the field, you can agree to the fact that temperature is one of the few factors that affect the overall growth and health of the plants the most. So, temperature control is a factor that makes the results much more reliable inside a hydroponic system. With that, you should also check the compatible temperature conditions with the system you are buying to choose the right option regarding the surrounding environment.
A hydroponic system is something that you may not be familiar with so far since most individuals tend to plant their fruits and veggies in the backyard. But if that’s an option for you, you can certainly rely on a good quality hydroponic system so that you can choose the conditions for your plantings and get guaranteed results. To help you with that, we have prepared this list of the best hydroponic systems to present on the market right now. These options are carefully chosen based on their benefits and shortcomings so that you can choose the right option in your budget. You can also refer to our “Buying Guide” for the best hydroponic system to get some additional information about these systems.
Best Hydroponic System Table
Best Hydroponic System Reviews
1. AeroGarden Hydroponic System
If you have already tried multiple different options for a hydroponic system and none seems to be ideal for your plants, you will have to go with a premium and reliable option such as the one made by AeroGarden. This is also the most popular choice we have on our list today.
The AeroGarden Bounty Elite is our top pick for this list of the best hydroponic systems and offers the best results and compatibility for indoor applications. This is more of an indoor garden with built-in LEDs that offer good light exposure to the plant for efficient growth. The system itself ships inside a stainless steel container measuring about 16 x 6 x 8 inches in size.
With that, the AeroGarden Bounty Elite supports a wide range of plants to nurture in the system such as cherry tomatoes, poblano peppers, sweet bell peppers, etc. It also allows up to 24 inches plant growth height which further improves the growth rate and lets you grow plants for a longer time before you will have to trim them.
Best Features
- Suitable for indoor applications
- Comes with a built-in LED light source
- Suitable for mega cherry tomatoes, poblano peppers, and sweet bell peppers
- One of the most reliable choices
Pros
- Most popular option for a hydroponic system
- Allows up to 24 inches plant growth
- Package includes 3 seed pods
Cons
- Very expensive choice for a beginner
2. iDOO Hydroponic System
On the other hand, if this is your first time buying a hydroponic system, we will suggest you get familiar with a basic option such as the one designed by iDOO before you move on to the premium alternatives. This is also a highly popular choice and currently owned by thousands of users.
The iDOO Hydroponics Growing System is our 2nd choice for this list, and it also brings a lot of decent specifications for its budget. This is also an indoor garden germination kit that includes its own water circulation system, which maintains the perfect oxygen levels. So, you will notice a slightly faster plant growth in the water compared to soil. The built-in LED power source of the iDOO Hydroponics Growing System is powered by 24-watt LED lights.
So, you don’t have to worry about your plants not getting enough light. It also has dual water circulation modes, normal and sleep modes. In the normal mode, the water pump will be active for about 5 minutes and inactive for the next 30 minutes. And in sleep mode, the pump will be turned off for 12 hours to save power.
Best Features
- Suitable for indoor applications
- Comes with a built-in LED light source
- Height adjustment option is available
- 2 circulation modes are available
Pros
- Powered by 24-watt LED lights
- Comparatively affordable option for a hydroponic system
- 3 smart modes for varying growth stages
Cons
- It is much smaller than other options
3. QYO Hydroponic System
QYO is also bringing a budget choice for the best hydroponic system on our list today. Like most other options, this hydroponic system from QYO offers sufficient growth support and decent space allowance.
The QYO Hydroponics Growing System is our 3rd choice for this list of the best hydroponic systems on the market right now. Inside the system, you will find 12 individual pods so that you can plant 12 different types of plants in a single system. It also has a built-in LED growth light powered by 36 Watts LEDs for sufficient growth light needed for plants. Also, the growth light available with the QYO Hydroponics Growing System is a full spectrum SMD LED light which is quite close to actual sunlight.
Apart from that, the light also maintains the temperature of the system so that you won’t have to worry about the growth environment. As a result, the QYO Hydroponics Growing System simulates nearly 5 times faster growth rate than many other conventional options. It also has a built-in water circulation system with an advanced deep flow technique to increase the reach of the nutrients.
Best Features
- Suitable for indoor applications
- Comes with a built-in LED light source
- Pump is activated once every 30 minutes
- Depp flow water circulation technology
Pros
- It sustains 15 days of growth with 1 time maintenance
- 400 ml nutrients are supplied
- 12 grow pods are included
Cons
- Might not be suitable for basic plants
4. Yoocaa Hydroponic System
When it comes to growing a variety of flowers, fruits, or veggies in a contained environment, you are better off with a renowned option for a hydroponic system such as the one made by Yoocaa. This is also a pretty well-known option because of its features and benefits.
The Yoocaa Hydroponics Growing System is yet another popular option on our list of the best hydroponic growing systems that work as an indoor garden for growing a variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The built-in lighting system of the Yoocaa Hydroponics Growing System is one of its strong suits as you will get red, blue, white, and far–red options for the LED lights. Each of these lights has its own advantages and benefits to the overall growth of the plant.
The Yoocaa Hydroponics Growing System only supports up to 19.4 inches of plant growth, which is not too bad in comparison with other options. But, you can plant up to 12 different plants at once in this system which increases the versatility of the system. Coming back to the lighting of the Yoocaa Hydroponics Growing System, this unit features 80 LEDs powering the lighting system, offering nearly 36 Watts of power output.
Best Features
- Suitable for indoor applications
- Comes with a built-in LED light source
- 36 Watts LED light system
- Powered by 80 LEDs
Pros
- Overall plant growth rate is pretty good
- Capable of growing up to 12 plants at once
- Completely automated performance
Cons
- Supported plant growth rate is quite short
5. EZORKAS Hydroponic System
If you want a budget-friendly choice for a hydroponic system, you will find many options on the market. But only a handful of these options are as good as the one made by EZORKAS.
The EZORKAS Hydroponics Growing System is one of the cheapest options that we have on this list today. This option also allows 12 pods of plantation, introducing a variety in your indoor garden. Along with that, you will also get 21 inches of growth height support that you can adjust based on the plants you are growing. Even with the automated water circulation system, the EZORKAS Hydroponics Growing System offers very quiet operation.
The EZORKAS Hydroponics Growing System also has a full spectrum 36 Watts LED lighting system powered by 80 LEDs in total to ensure an efficient light source for the plants. And with the auto-pump water delivery system, it also manages to supply increased levels of oxygen throughout the system to maintain a fast-growing speed.
Best Features
- Suitable for indoor applications
- Comes with a built-in LED light source
- Powered by 80 LEDs
- Full spectrum 36 watts LED lighting system
Pros
- You can grow up to 12 plants at once
- Comes with a complete starter kit
- Relatively quieter operation
Cons
- Only suitable for beginners and common types of plants
6. LAPOND Hydroponic System
On the other hand, if you are planning to use the hydroponic system for growing many different types of plants at once, it is better to go with a premium option with more planting pods. For that, this option from LAPOND can be the best option.
The LAPOND Hydroponic Grow Kit is also one of the few options on the market which are ideal for growing a wide range of plants at once. This hydroponic system consists of 3 different layers, each layer offering 36 distinct pods for plantation. So in total, you will get 108 pods for plantation. And unlike most other options, the layers and the pods are made up of PVC material to keep the system lightweight and portable.
If you think 3 layers are not good enough for your application, you can also find an option for the LAPOND Hydroponic Grow Kit with 4 layers. And if you want compact options, LAPOND also offers smaller options with 2, 3, and 4 rows instead of multiple layers. As for its automated performance, you get the benefit of a built-in timer feature to set it for 5, 15, or 30-minute intervals. You can also set the OFF time within 30, 60, and 120 minutes.
Best Features
- Suitable for indoor applications
- Comes with a built-in LED light source
- 5, 15, and 30 minutes time interval options available
- Off time limit setting ranges up to 120 minutes
Pros
- Made up of food-grade PVC material
- Features 3 layers with 108 pods
- Multiple options are available to suit application
Cons
- Pod count is too much for basic applications
7. KICHGARDEN Hydroponic System
Coming back to our budget-range of options for the best hydroponic systems, we have one more reliable choice coming from KICHGARDEN. KICHGARDEN is also a brand that only focuses on products and accessories related to indoor gardening.
The KICHGARDEN Hydroponics Growing System is yet another budget-friendly and compact option available on our picks today. This is also quite a smart choice since you will find a water-level display meter to monitor the performance of the system as well as a compact digital display with quick-access buttons to set up the parameters. With the KICHGARDEN Hydroponics Growing System, you will be able to grow the plant up to 20 inches in height.
The grow light system of the KICHGARDEN Hydroponics Growing System is also quite special as it features 3 light modes to support different growth rates. This light system offers 48 watts of power output to mimic the intensity of sunlight. So, it is ideal for vegetables, fruit, and even flowers. The KICHGARDEN Hydroponics Growing System also features an automated water circulation system with its sound levels limited to only 30 dB.
Best Features
- Suitable for indoor applications
- Sound levels are below 30 dB
- 12 pods are available
- Sufficient space is available
Pros
- It allows up to 20 inches plant height
- Compact digital display for status monitoring
- 3 grow light modes are introduced
Cons
- Pods might be inefficient to introduce variety in your garden
8. ZMHOO Hydroponic System
ZMHOO also has an affordable choice listed on our list of the best hydroponic systems right here. Since this brand also deals with many different types of indoor gardening products, you will find many options for a hydroponic system as well as useful accessories from the brand.
The ZMHOO Hydroponics Growing System is also a pretty compact option which is perfect for indoor kitchen installations. It offers 8 pods for plantation with enough space provided for each pod. THe overall capacity of the ZMHOO Hydroponics Growing System is about 4 liters and the system is ready to use right out of the box, avoiding unnecessary efforts needed to set up the system.
The ZMHOO Hydroponics Growing System also has the advantage of a quiet operation so that you won’t even notice when the system is running. It also has an automatic timing system to keep the performance maintained in all weather conditions. As for monitoring, the ZMHOO Hydroponics Growing System features a water level indicator so that you can manually change the parameters if needed. The lighting system of the ZMHOO Hydroponics Growing System also has different modes for flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
Best Features
- Suitable for indoor applications
- Comes with a built-in LED light source
- Different lighting modes for different types of plants
- 4 liters of capacity is available
Pros
- It has an automatic timing feature
- Relatively quiet operation than other automated systems
- Ready to use system right out of the box
Cons
- Maximum growing height is only 15 inches
9. WEPLANT Hydroponic System
WEPLANT is also a good option in case you are looking for a hydroponic system with premium features and a high plantation capacity. WEPLANT also offers a variety of options for such systems that you should check out.
The WEPLANT Hydroponic NFT Growing System is yet another great choice from our list today which offers a pretty good capacity along with 36 individual holes to plant a variety of plants with ease. Unlike most other options, this is more of a timed hydroponic fertilizer for plants which not only serves proper nutrients to your plants, but also saves a lot of power while it is functional. Each of the pods on the WEPLANT Hydroponic NFT Growing System has a square hole with a square net cup to keep the plant stable.
WEPLANT Hydroponic NFT Growing System also features many additional functionalities that are crucial for these systems such as automated water circulation, timer functionality, and a layered design for the pods. The circulation system of the WEPLANT Hydroponic NFT Growing System is powered by a 12 Volts DC brushless pump which makes it very quiet and efficient in terms of operation.
Best Features
- Suitable for outdoor applications
- Comes with a built-in LED light source
- Powered by a quiet brushless motor
- Highly efficient hydroponic system
Pros
- Features a hose, timer, adapter, sponges, and pump with the set
- NFT planting method
- Square planting holes for better stability
Cons
- Size might be too large for kitchen installation
10. LENORAR Hydroponic System
In the end, we have but one more affordable choice to offer you from LENORAR on our list of the best hydroponic systems. It is also one of the compact options on our list that offers many great features.
The LENORAR Hydroponics Growing System is our last pick for this list of the best hydroponics systems featuring 8 pods which makes it perfectly suitable for indoor planting. As for the capacity, this system offers a 3 liters water tank with a built-in water indicator for continuous monitoring. Even the pump installed inside the LENORAR Hydroponics Growing System is a silent water pump that properly distributes the nutrients to the system.
The arm of the LENORAR Hydroponics Growing System can be adjusted up to 16 inches in height so that you can manually adjust the LED light settings to offer the best environment to your plants. It also has an automatic timer settings that you can set to be functional for 16 hours ON and 8 hours OFF feature. The overall dimensions of the LENORAR Hydroponics Growing System are about 11 x 7 x 20 inches which is not too bad for indoor applications.
Best Features
- Suitable for indoor applications
- Comes with a built-in LED light source
- Measures about 11x7x20 inches in size
- Designed for up to 8 plants to be grown at once
Pros
- It has automatic water supply and timer feature
- 2 planting modes are provided
- Height adjustable arm for light setting
Cons
- 8 pods might be insufficient for some buyers
Buying Guide For The Best Hydroponic System
Hydroponic systems are a type of indoor gardening method that allows plants to grow without soil. As you can imagine, this is an ideal alternative to the regular procedure, and probably the only option for a lot of homeowners that do not have a backyard, or the land around their homes is not nutrient enough to sustain good quality plant growth. In a hydrophobic system, plants are grown using a nutrient-rich water solution instead of soil.
These systems can be an excellent option for those looking to grow their own herbs, vegetables, flowers, or fruits in a controlled environment like an apartment or during the winter. When shopping for the best hydroponic system, there are several key features that you need to consider to end up with the most compatible choice for your usage. To understand these factors, kindly check out our buying guide for the best hydroponic systems.
Just like regular planting procedures, you also need to ensure the proper available space even if you are using a hydroponic system. It’s essential to consider the amount of space you have available for your hydroponic system to properly install the unit without any problem. A lot of buyers install these units in their kitchens where the available space is already too compact. Apart from that, also consider the number of plants you want to grow.
Some systems are designed for small spaces and can only accommodate a few plants, while others are larger and can hold dozens of plants. So, the best option for you in terms of size and capacity would depend upon the type of plants you want to grow in your hydroponic system.
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Type of Hydroponic System
There are several different types of hydroponic systems available, each with its own set of benefits. Some of the most popular options include deep water culture (DWC), nutrient film technique (NFT), and aeroponics. Here’s what you will get with popular options of a hydroponic system.
In a deep water culture system, plants are suspended in a nutrient-rich water solution and their roots are left to dangle in the water. Even though there is a complete absence of soil, the roots get proper nutrients through water, considering that you take proper care of the system. An air stone or diffuser is used to oxygenate the water, and a pump is used to circulate the nutrient solution. DWC systems are relatively simple to set up and maintain. So, these systems can be an excellent choice for beginners.
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Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
In a nutrient film technique system, a thin film of nutrient solution is continuously circulated over the roots of the plants, providing them with the nutrients they need to grow. The plants are typically grown in troughs or channels where the nutrient solution is recirculated using a pump. NFT systems are relatively low-maintenance, but they can be prone to overheating and require precise water and nutrient levels to offer promising results.
In an aeroponic system, plants are suspended in air and the roots are misted with a nutrient-rich water solution. Aeroponics systems require more maintenance than most other types of hydroponic systems, but they can provide plants with an optimal growing environment and can be an excellent choice for faster-growing plants.
As you may have noticed, almost all hydroponic systems require a nutrient delivery system as plants do not get natural nutrients due to the absence of soil. So without a nutrient delivery system, a hydroponic system cannot sustain any plant growth, making it a crucial aspect for this system. Some systems use a pump to circulate the nutrient solution, while others rely on a gravity-fed drip system. It’s essential to choose a system that can effectively deliver the right nutrients to your plants based on their requirements and ideal growing conditions. While a dripping system would be ideal for most common types of plants, you may need a forced circulation system for some specific applications.
Hydroponic systems might look quite simple and straightforward in terms of installation and maintenance, but it is certainly not the case. If you don’t have any prior experience with these systems, it would take some time to understand the working principle of these systems and how you can manipulate the conditions to best suit the requirements of your plant.
So If you’re new to hydroponics, you’ll want to start with a system that is relatively simpler and easy to set up. it should also require less maintenance so that you don’t have to constantly worry about the results with the system. It would be better to look for systems with clear instructions and easy-to-use controls to understand the concept of the hydroponic plantation before you move on to difficult plantations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Hydroponic systems offer a number of benefits over traditional soil-based gardening such as
* Increased Efficiency: Because the plants are grown in a controlled environment and supplied with a steady stream of nutrients, they can grow faster and produce more fruit or vegetables than they would in soil.
* Reduced Water Usage: Hydroponic systems use less water than traditional gardening methods because the water is recycled and reused.
* Better Plant Health: Because the plants are grown in a controlled environment, they are less likely to be exposed to pests and diseases that can be found in the soil.
* Better Growth Control: With a hydroponic system, you have greater control over the temperature, humidity, and light levels, which can all affect the growth and development of the plants.
Ans: There are many different types of hydroponic systems, and the specific steps for setting one up will depend on the type of system you choose. In general, however, the steps for setting up a hydroponic system include:
* Choosing The Right Location: The location should have access to electricity, water, and appropriate lighting.
* Assembling The System: This will involve setting up the nutrient reservoir, pumps, and tubing, as well as installing the grow lights and any other necessary equipment.
* Preparing The Grow Medium: This will involve sterilizing the growing medium and adding any necessary nutrients or amendments.
* Planting The Seeds or Seedlings: Once the growing medium is prepared, you can plant the seeds or seedlings according to the specific requirements of the plants you are growing.
Ans: Caring for plants in a hydroponic system involves regularly monitoring and adjusting the nutrient solution, ensuring that the plants have adequate light and ventilation, and monitoring the temperature and humidity levels. It is also important to regularly check the pH and nutrient levels in the water and make adjustments as needed. In addition, it is important to carefully follow the specific care instructions for the plants you are growing, as different plants have different requirements for light, water, and nutrients.
Conclusion
We hope that you now know all there is to it when it comes to a hydroponic system and is now ready to get a system for yourself. Even if you don’t have any experience with these units before, worry not. You will get all of the best options for a hydroponic system listed right here so that you can choose the right option according to our buying guide and get the best performance as well as control over the system. However, it may still be difficult to pinpoint the right choice for a hydrophobic system since most of these options are highly versatile. Instead, you can go with one of our top choices listed here.
- If you don’t have a lot of experience with a hydroponic system, then buying a premium option right away is probably a bad idea. Instead, you can get started with a basic option like the iDOO Hydroponic System and see if you need an upgrade over that after a couple of months. The iDOO Hydroponics Growing System is basically a starter unit for a hydroponic system that features built-in LEd grow lights with timer functionality for automatic maintenance. This system measures up to 5.5 x 13.7 x 7.3 inches in size, which is enough for a few plants.
- On the other hand, if you want the best option which is suitable for all types of plantations and compatible with almost all weather conditions, then go with the AeroGarden Hydroponic System. As the name suggests, this is an elite choice for a hydroponic system that has almost all the features of a standard system along with added ease of access offered by its smart features. This unit features WiFi compatibility for complete wireless access and also supports voice commands via Alexa. The AeroGarden Bounty Elite offers support for up to 24 inches of growth height for a plant which allows you to grow a wide range of variety in this system.
- The LAPOND Hydroponic System is also one of the unique options that we have featured on this list today and offers some exclusive benefits with its layered model. It basically consists of 3 layers, offering 108 plant sites in total. And for the material, LAPOND has chosen a food-grade PVC-U pipe for the construction of the LAPOND Hydroponic Grow Kit, offering completely safe cultivation. You can also automate the watering system of the unit with 5, 15, or 30 minutes built-in timer functionality. The off-time of the feature also ranges up to 120 minutes to further suit the plant’s nutrient needs.
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