Hey friends, today I’ll be sharing with you my experience testing the AeroGarden Bounty Basic hydroponic system over the past month. I’ll cover the pros and cons of this device and let you know what it’s best suited for.
My Aerogarden Bounty Basic
My rating of the Aerogarden Bounty Basic
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Technology | 9 |
| Efficiency | 10 |
| Quality | 10 |
| User experience | 10 |
| Impact on comfort | 10 |
| Ease of maintenance | 9 |
| Customer support | 9 |
| Operating Costs | 10 |
| Proprietary | 10 |
| Price | 9 |
| Total | 96 |
I evaluated the Aerogarden Bounty Basic across ten distinct categories, each of which I believe is crucial for any hydroponic system. I assigned a score to each category.
Overall, the Bounty Basic earned an impressive 96 out of a possible 100 points. This translates to an average rating of 9.6. It’s noteworthy that few devices ever achieve a score above ninety points.
In the following sections, I’ll delve into the specifics of how I tested and graded each category.
Technology
Aerogarden Bounty Basic control panel.
The Aerogarden Bounty Basic is a cutting-edge device that boasts features not commonly found in many indoor hydroponics systems.
Firstly, it comes with a screen that provides access to its menu. Although it’s in black and white and isn’t touch-sensitive, it’s still quite user-friendly.
Secondly, it offers a range of additional features such as a water level sensor, plant food reminder, vacation mode, and more.
Moreover, the pump is robust and comes with a filter, which I believe is crucial.
One downside, however, is the absence of Wi-Fi connectivity and a dedicated app.
I give the Aerogarden Bounty Basic a 9/10 for technology.
Efficiency
The performance of this system is truly commendable, largely due to the LEDs. With a power of 30 watts, they offer ample light for most plants. I’d suggest setting up the system to have the LEDs run for a minimum of 16 hours. This way, you can expect a prompt harvest.
Another standout feature is the innovative nutrient solution distribution system. A pump channels the solution to the grow deck, and from there, it reaches every hole. This ensures the plants get ample nutrition, and the solution is better oxygenated.
The 4.5-liter bowl offers generous space for root growth, ensuring that the plants never run short of water.
All in all, the Aerogarden Bounty Basic is a top-tier hydroponics system, earning its spot on my list of the best hydroponic systems this year.
I give the Aerogarden Bounty Basic a 10/10 for efficiency.
Quality
Aerogarden Bounty Basic grow deck.
The Aerogarden Bounty Basic boasts exceptional quality, both in terms of materials and construction. Every component is securely attached with no loose or hanging parts.
The durable plastic used for this device not only feels premium but also has a tactile appeal, especially noticeable on the grow deck. Its glossy finish, coupled with its substantial thickness, ensures it can handle significant weight. Plus, the deck fits snugly onto the bowl, eliminating the wobbles seen in some competing models.
The light stand, crafted from sleek aluminum, provides a sturdy base for the light hood. The LEDs themselves are of superior quality, promising longevity. This comes as no surprise, considering Aerogarden’s long-standing reputation as a market leader in home hydroponic systems.
The pump too is commendable. It operates seamlessly for years, with minimal instances of malfunction.
All in all, the Aerogarden Bounty Basic exudes the vibe of a robust and high-quality device, offering good value for its price.
I give the Aerogarden Bounty Basic a 10/10 for quality.
User experience
Using the Aerogarden Bounty Basic is truly a delight. All I did was fill the bowl with water, add the plant food, insert the seed pods into their designated spots, and power it up.
As the plants began to grow, it was simply a matter of adding more plant food, topping up the water, and adjusting the growth height. Notably, this system boasts a growth height of up to 23 inches, which is impressive.
The water refill hole is ideally situated at the front of the bowl. Its generous size makes it particularly easy to pour water into.
The system operates both automatically and with customization options. It prompts you when it’s time to add water or nutrients and even allows you to set the current time and decide when the lights should come on or off.
You have the freedom to modify the pump schedule, and it conveniently displays the number of days since the start.
A standout feature is the trellis system. It’s incredibly handy for supporting tall plants, ensuring they remain upright. This is a unique feature that sets it apart from competitors.
I give the Aerogarden Bounty Basic a 10/10 for user experience.
Impact on comfort
The Aerogarden Bounty Basic is remarkably unobtrusive in terms of comfort. The pump’s noise level is just 36 dBA, which is notably impressive given that the average room’s background noise is only a few dBA more.
This is achieved in part because the pump isn’t situated at the base of the bowl but rather at the rear of the grow deck. Plus, it’s equipped with rubber cushions to mitigate vibrations.
Regarding the light, it’s gentle on the eyes. With the light hood set at about four and a half feet high, my eyes remain unaffected even in the absence of a dimming feature.
Aesthetically, the Aerogarden Bounty Basic is a sleek addition to any room. It not only fits seamlessly into my living space but also adds a touch of brightness to my home.
I give the Aerogarden Bounty Basic a 10/10 for impact on comfort.
Ease of maintenance
Aerogarden Bounty Basic base.
The Aerogarden Bounty Basic is quite simple to maintain. All I need to do is unplug the pump wire from the base, and I’m good to go. From there, I can effortlessly lift the bowl off the base and carry it to the sink to refresh the water and give it a clean.
The manufacturer suggests doing this monthly, but I’ve found that refreshing the water biweekly leads to healthier plants. After each water change, I also add some plant food.
The grow deck comes in two sections, and cleaning it means taking it apart. This does take a bit more effort. Additionally, the roots occasionally block the water level sensor, which then needs to be taken apart and cleaned.
I give the Aerogarden Bounty Basic a 9/10 for ease of maintenance.
Customer support
Aerogarden’s customer service is impressive. I reached out to them via chat and received a response within minutes, all during regular business hours.
On their website, they offer an email contact option for inquiries and advice. There’s also a comprehensive FAQ section that addresses many common questions.
The company is very active on social media. They maintain a YouTube channel filled with helpful content. Plus, they have a Facebook page and multiple groups where you can share and discuss your experiences.
I give the Aerogarden Bounty Basic a 9/10 for customer support.
Operating costs
Aerogarden Bounty Basic seed pods plant food.
In this chapter, I’d like to share my experience with growing herbs in the Aerogarden Bounty Basic. From planting to harvesting, the entire process took 30 days. Let’s break down the costs incurred during this period and what I harvested in the end.
| Electricity | 18 kWh | $3.00 |
| Grow sponges | 6 Pcs | $1.44 |
| Plant food | 24 ml | $0.67 |
| Total cost | $5.11 |
The table indicates that the system consumed 18 kWh of electricity, setting me back $3. Additionally, I factored in the costs of the grow sponges and plant food. While these items are initially included with the device, they’ll need to be purchased separately over time.
My total expenditure came to $5.11, yielding 6 plants:
- Thai basil
- Genovese basil
- Dill
- Italian parsley
- Curly parsley
- Thyme
This means each plant cost me roughly $0.85. It’s a fantastic deal for a fresh herb plant, especially when you consider the convenience of having them on hand and not needing to make a trip to the grocery store.
I give Aerogarden Bounty Basic an 10/10 for operating costs.
Proprietary
The Aerogarden Bounty Basic offers a wide range of alternative consumables. This is largely because all of the company’s models use the same seed pods. Given the brand’s popularity, numerous third-party manufacturers have developed alternative products.
Sponges are a prime example. On the market, you can find sponges that are both pricier and more affordable than the original ones. Generally speaking, there’s no real need to stick with the original sponges since the less expensive alternatives tend to perform just as well.
| Brand | Price for one sponge |
|---|---|
| Aerogarden | $0.24 |
| Urban Leaf | $0.30 |
| Vic VSEE | $0.19 |
| Park Seed | $0.18 |
| Chumia | $0.15 |
Several companies also produce alternatives for the Aerogarden Bounty Basic’s baskets and stickers. Interestingly, very few competitors offer alternative baskets for their own systems.
Plant food is another consumable to consider. While you can use any hydroponic plant food with the system, I personally prefer General Hydroponics.
I give the Aerogarden Bounty Basic a 10/10 for proprietary.
Price
Up until recently, Aerogarden models came with a hefty price tag, but the landscape is shifting. With numerous competitors entering the market, the company has been compelled to adjust its prices to retain its leading position. As a result, the price for the Bounty Basic has become quite reasonable.
Aerogarden Bounty Basic for $159.95
For your investment, you’re getting a sizeable tank, robust LED lights, a display screen, and much more. Few competitors can match these features at a lower price point. Given this, the Aerogarden Bounty Basic certainly deserves a high commendation in this category.
I give the Aerogarden Bounty Basic a 9/10 for price.
Recommended For
The AeroGarden Bounty Basic is ideal for cultivating herbs. While it can support the growth of various plants, its tall growth space and trellis system make it especially optimal for herbs.
For growing lettuce, a simpler hydroponic system with a shorter growth height and less intense LEDs, like the iDOO 12-pods, would be more fitting. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to grow vegetables such as tomatoes or cucumbers, you’d need a system with stronger LEDs and a taller growth area. In this category, the Aerogarden Farm 12 XL stands out as the best option.
Using the Bounty Basic, I was able to harvest a generous quantity of herbs for culinary purposes within a month, sufficient for my entire family. To achieve this yield, I configured the system to keep the lights on for 16-17 hours daily.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large grow height | Lack of Wi-Fi and app |
| Screen with easy to use menu | LEDs could be a little more powerful |
| Not overpriced | No light dimming |
| Unique water supply system | No covers for unused holes |
| Quiet pump | The screen has no sleep mode |
| Vacation mode | |
| High efficiency | |
| Large tank | |
| Quality materials and assembly | |
| Trellis system |
Alternatives
| Product Feature | Aerogarden Bounty Basic | LetPot LPH-Max 21 | Spider Farmer SF-Smart G12 | RGBing 15-pods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size (HxWxD) | 29.5″x16.5″x10.9″ (75x42x27.7 cm) | 28.5″x15.7″x10.4″ (72.5×40.5×26.5 cm) | 26.7″x15.3″x9.8″ (68x39x25 cm) | 16.54″ x 6.69″ x 9.06″ (42x17x 23 cm) |
| Number of pods | 9 | 21 | 12 | 15 |
| LED power | 30 W | 36 W | 24 W | 36 W |
| Wi-Fi/App | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Tank capacity | 4.5 L | 7.5 L | 6 L | 5.5 L |
| Max grow height | 23.2″ (59 cm) | 30.7″ (56.5 cm) | 20.2″ (51.5 cm) | 30.5″ (77.4 cm) |
| Min grow height | 8.2″ (21 cm) | 7.4″ (18.5 cm) | 11.2″ (28.5 cm) | 10″ (25.4 cm) |
| Screen | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Low Water Reminder | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Nutrient Reminder | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Seed pods | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plant food | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $159.95 | $269.99 | $79.99 | $139.99 |
Conclusion
In summary, the AeroGarden Bounty Basic is a standout device that truly offers great value. It’s reasonably priced and boasts numerous benefits over its competition.
Beyond just a bountiful harvest, this system can add a touch of joy and intrigue to any home, especially during the colder months. I wholeheartedly recommend considering this and other hydroponic systems if you’re keen on having fresh herbs, leafy greens, and vegetables at your fingertips all year round.
That wraps up my review. Wishing you success in all your endeavors and all the best!