LetPot Air Review
If there’s one thing I’ll continue to preach in hydroponics, it’s that the simpler a hydroponic system, the better. And yes, gizmos and gadgets are cool (and I do indeed like to nerd out sometimes), but in most cases, getting back to the basics is the best thing you can do. In the big world of hydroponics, there are sometimes just too many moving parts for things that simply aren’t necessary.
So, what about the LetPot LPH Air? What category does it fall into? Well, I’d say that the LetPot Air — LetPot’s smallest countertop garden to date — is simplicity done right. It doesn’t have the flashiness of the LetPot Max, nor the sleek finish of the LetPot SE, but it still packs a unique punch. It’s priced right, it’s compact and efficient, and at the end of the day, it’s going to grow your plants just as effectively as its larger counterparts.
What makes it particularly appealing, in my opinion, is its size. It’s designed for those who want something smaller and more manageable. (Hence the name, LetPot “Air”) In other words, it completes the LetPot lineup perfectly: the Max is the heavyweight champion, the SE strikes a balance in the middle, and the Air is the nimble lightweight — perfect for minimalists or those with limited counter space.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into what I liked — and what I didn’t — about the LetPot Air. And if you’re interested in checking out the latest discounts on Amazon, you can click any of the links in this article or click here to check it out now.
Pshh: If you’d like to read our LetPot SE review, our LetPot Max review, or our LetPot Light review after this, you can do that here and here and here. You can also check out our full list of LetPot Products here.
Unboxing the LetPot Air
After opening the LetPot Air for the first time, I’ll admit, I was a little caught off guard. It didn’t exactly feel like a typical LetPot product at first glance. It didn’t have the stainless steel finish I’ve come to expect from some of their other models, it was noticeably smaller in size, and there weren’t any unexpected surprises like the advanced features of the LetPot Max.
But at the same time, it still managed to impress me. It had a unique, minimalist look that stood out in its own way. The design was clean and functional, with an emphasis on simplicity that aligns perfectly with the product’s “back-to-basics” approach. The components were thoughtfully laid out, the build quality felt solid despite its affordability, and it was clear that LetPot was aiming for something different here.
To put it more plainly, this isn’t a product trying to wow you with bells and whistles; it’s a product focused on being accessible and practical without sacrificing quality. To me, that’s its charm: an affordable, entry-level hydroponic system that still upholds LetPot’s commitment to delivering a dependable gardening experience.
Setting Up the LetPot Air
Setting up the LetPot Air was about as simple as it gets—and pretty self-explanatory. While directions were provided, putting everything together took about five minutes total. It was as easy as looking at the picture, snapping the lid into place, and fitting in the extra pieces (sponges, baskets, etc.).
What I Liked: As with every LetPot product, assembly was a breeze. The directions were clear, well-organized, and easy to follow. The labeled components made the process foolproof, and everything fit together snugly without any guesswork.
One standout feature was how easy it was to install the light, which is completely detachable. This not only simplifies maintenance but opens up creative possibilities—I might even repurpose the light for a DIY project down the road. Additionally, I appreciated that the instructions went beyond basic setup. They included:
- Customer Service Info: A dedicated section outlining how to get help if needed, which is a reassuring touch.
- Gardening Tips: A section tailored specifically to the LetPot Air, with advice on plant care and troubleshooting common issues.
What Could Use Improvement: If there’s one area where the LetPot Air could improve, it’s in the inclusion of a few extra accessories. For example, adding items like extra humidity domes, plant labels, or even a fun bumper sticker would be a nice touch.
- While the box came with everything needed, it had only the exact number of components required—no extras. A few spares would go a long way in enhancing the unboxing experience and accommodating any mishaps (like accidentally dropping a sponge into the sink—yes, it happens!).
LetPot Air Features
What I Liked: As with any LetPot product, the features are what set it apart from the competition. What makes the LetPot Air particularly appealing is that it retains much of the same functionality as the LetPot SE and LetPot Max, but in a simplified, more accessible design. While it doesn’t have the advanced electrical interface of the LetPot Max, it still performs just as well where it matters most. For those looking for something streamlined yet effective, the LetPot Air delivers.
- Water Gauge: The built-in water gauge is simple, easy to read, and unobtrusive. Its placement at the base ensures it’s always visible without taking up extra space.
- WiFi Connectivity: The WiFi integration was straightforward to set up and works seamlessly with other LetPot products, which is especially useful for users who already own multiple systems.
- Capacity: Despite being LetPot’s smallest system, the Air accommodates a total of 10 plants, with spacing similar to the SE and Max models. This makes it an excellent option for smaller spaces while still providing ample growing capacity.
- Customizable Light Modes: The grow light has two modes—one optimized for veggies and herbs, and the other for flowers and fruits. This adaptability is a standout feature for growers with diverse plant needs.
- Brightness Options: The light offers both high and low brightness settings, giving you control over the intensity based on your plants’ requirements.
- Detachable Light: The light is fully detachable from the system, making it easy to replace or even repurpose for other projects if needed.
What Could Use Improvement: Overall, the LetPot Air features are well-designed, with no major issues. However, a few minor improvements could enhance the user experience:
- Personal Touches: While the system is fully functional, a few additional customization options or accessories (such as a little garden sign) could make it even more versatile.
- Light Positioning: The grow light could extend further down to better accommodate young seedlings. This would ensure even coverage for smaller plants during their early growth stages.
Growing in the LetPot Air
When it came to the fun part—growing in the system—the LetPot Air delivered on nearly every front. Just like its predecessors, the Max and the SE, the Air proved to be reliable and efficient. It offers a straightforward, no-fuss growing experience with consistent results, making it a great option for both beginners and seasoned growers.
What I Liked: I started with some collard seeds (fully intending to transfer them out when they outgrow the system, since collards get huge), and so far, so good. Every seed sprouted without issue, and I’ve had no problems with EC or pH levels. The seedlings have grown healthy true leaves, and the system has maintained a stable environment throughout the process.
- The simplicity of the LetPot Air really shines here—it’s easy to set up, monitor, and maintain, which lets you focus more on the plants and less on troubleshooting.
- The water reservoir size is perfect for the system’s scale, allowing me to go several days without needing to refill it, which makes it convenient for busy growers or those who may not check their system daily.
- The WiFi connectivity allows me to monitor the system remotely, making it easy to keep an eye on water levels and settings without needing to be physically present, which adds a layer of convenience for tech-savvy growers.
What Could Use Improvement: While growing in the LetPot Air has been a great experience overall, there are a few minor points where it could be improved:
- Light Height: The grow light doesn’t lower quite enough to provide optimal coverage for very young seedlings, which led to a bit of legginess early on. (To be fair, I may have contributed to this when I accidentally unplugged the system for a day or two—oops!) That said, adjusting the light to lower by another inch or two would make a big difference for seedling growth.
- Grow Sponges: The roots had a little trouble penetrating the grow sponges at first, which is an issue I’ve noticed with most sponges, not just the ones included with this system. While the roots did eventually push through, it’s something to keep in mind, especially for plants with smaller root systems.
The Final Verdict
The LetPot Air is a fantastic addition to the LetPot lineup, offering a compact, affordable, and user-friendly hydroponic system that doesn’t skimp on performance. While it may lack some of the flashier features of its bigger siblings, like the advanced interface of the LetPot Max, it proves that simplicity can be just as effective. With its intuitive setup, reliable growing environment, and versatile light options, the Air is perfect for beginners looking to dip their toes into hydroponics or for seasoned growers who need a smaller, hassle-free system.
