SENSTREE Dual Probe Temperature & Humidity Controller, Independent Sensors for Precise Temperature and Humidity Control, Compatible with Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, Heating & Cooling Systems

Why I reached for this controller

Managing temperature and humidity separately is where most “all-in-one” controllers fall short. I wanted a compact, affordable unit that could independently control heat/cooling and humidification/dehumidification with probes I could place exactly where conditions matter. The SENSTREE controller promised that flexibility with separate temperature and humidity sensors, dual displays, and straightforward automation. I put it to work in a small greenhouse setup and on a reptile enclosure to see how it behaved in real-world use.

Setup and first impressions

The housing is a compact matte black plastic that feels solid without being bulky. The probes are generously long, which makes placement easy: I positioned the temperature probe near the canopy level and the humidity probe closer to the center of the room where airflow is representative. That separation alone made a noticeable difference compared to combo probes that must compromise on location.

Mounting was simple; I hung the unit at eye level for quick checks. The dual LCD shows temperature and humidity at a glance, with big digits and a clean layout. I also appreciate that the screen shows both channels simultaneously, reducing button presses when you just need a quick read.

Interface and controls

Programming is approachable. Each controlled outlet has a clear role:
- Outlet 1 follows the temperature probe (heat or cool mode).
- Outlet 2 follows the humidity probe (humidify or dehumidify mode).
- A third controllable outlet functions as a programmable timer with two on/off windows.

Switching temperature mode between heating and cooling is fast. The humidity channel lets you choose humidify or dehumidify and set a differential (more on that below). I could toggle °F/°C easily, and the unit retained all settings when unplugged—clock and setpoints included. That non-volatile memory is a practical touch if you’re moving it between spaces or have occasional power interruptions.

Temperature control: steady and predictable

For temperature, I tested the controller with a heat lamp and a small exhaust fan. I set a 72°F target in heating mode with the temperature probe at the plant canopy. The outlet activated as the probe cooled to the setpoint and deactivated a little below it, settling into a consistent rhythm with a built-in 2°F deadband. That fixed hysteresis is deliberate: it prevents relay chatter and keeps devices from cycling rapidly at the threshold.

Two notes:
- The 2°F hysteresis is fixed on the temperature channel (not user-adjustable). In practice, it worked fine for both the greenhouse and the reptile enclosure, but I’d love to be able to change that for ultra-tight control or to reduce cycling on slower thermal systems.
- In cooling mode, the behavior is symmetrical, and the logic feels intuitive. It was easy to keep a small space within a predictable temperature window.

Humidity control: flexible differential is a win

The humidity channel behaves similarly but gives you more control over hysteresis. I tested it with a mid-size dehumidifier and a small ultrasonic humidifier. Selecting dehumidify mode and setting a difference (adjustable across a wide range) let me tune how aggressively the system reacts to fluctuations. For example, a wider differential reduced short-cycling on the dehumidifier, which is better for compressor life and overall energy use. In humidify mode, a smaller differential helped maintain a tighter band around 55–60% RH for seedling trays.

Probe placement matters here. Keeping the humidity probe out of direct airflow and away from mist outlets produced much more stable readings.

The third outlet timer: underrated utility

The timer-controlled outlet turned out to be handy for circulation fans and lighting. You can set two independent on/off windows per day (they can’t overlap). It’s simple but covers the majority of greenhouse or habitat timing needs without adding a separate timer. In my tests, the internal clock kept time accurately, and the schedules resumed after power was restored.

Accuracy and alerts

The sensors tracked within a small margin of my reference instruments—close enough for greenhouse and enclosure use. The controller includes out-of-range alerts, which I triggered by setting narrow bands and nudging the probes. The alarms are straightforward and useful for flagging extremes, though this is a local-only device with no app connectivity or data logging. If you need remote monitoring, you’ll want to pair it with a separate sensor or smart plug ecosystem.

Build quality and durability

The unit feels robust for its category. Buttons have a positive click, the display is legible from several feet away, and the probe leads don’t feel flimsy. I’d call the construction “industrial-leaning” for a consumer device—appropriate for grow tents, utility rooms, or a garage workspace.

Two small nitpicks:
- The backlight shuts off after a short period and isn’t user-configurable. A selectable always-on option would be nice for at-a-glance checks from across a room.
- The instruction sheet is clear enough to get you going quickly, but a few diagrams or use-case examples would shorten the learning curve for first-time users.

Power handling and safety

Each controlled outlet is rated to 10A at 120V (about 1100W). That’s fine for inline fans, smaller humidifiers, and many heat lamps, but not for typical 1500W space heaters or high-draw dehumidifiers. If you need to control larger loads, use this as a signal/control layer and drive a properly rated external relay or contactor. Also consider startup surges: compressor-based devices can spike above their running current. A good surge protector and thoughtful load planning go a long way.

Where it shines

• Spaces with distinct temperature and humidity zones: The separate probes let you target each variable where it’s most meaningful—canopy vs. mid-room, or warm basking zones vs. ambient humidity.
• Grow tents and small greenhouses: Pair it with an exhaust or intake fan and a dehumidifier, and you can maintain a tight environment even as outdoor conditions swing.
• Reptile and amphibian enclosures: Heat sources and moisture control often fight each other; independent channels help you avoid see-sawing conditions.
• Storage and cellars: Softly controlling temperature while keeping humidity in check is easy here, especially with the timer outlet handling circulation fans.

Limitations and wish list

• Fixed temperature hysteresis: A user-settable differential on the temperature channel would elevate this from good to great for precision-sensitive setups.
• Backlight control: Let me pick always-on, always-off, or timed dim.
• Higher relay ratings or a “high-load” variant: Would widen use cases without external relays.
• Optional data logging: Even a simple min/max history would help with tuning and troubleshooting.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing before you plan your system around the controller.

Day-to-day use

After initial setup, I mostly left the controller alone. The readings and device states were easy to check at a glance. Set-and-forget is the theme here: once the modes, setpoints, and differentials are dialed in, it just runs. Moving it between the greenhouse and an enclosure was painless because the unit retains configuration, including the clock.

Final recommendation

I recommend the SENSTREE controller for anyone who needs reliable, independent control of temperature and humidity in a small to mid-size space. Its dual-probe design, straightforward programming, and thoughtful timer outlet cover a lot of ground without adding complexity. The fixed 2°F temperature hysteresis and 10A-per-outlet limit are the main constraints, but they’re manageable with proper device selection or an external relay for heavy loads. For greenhouses, grow tents, terrariums, and storage rooms, it strikes a practical balance of accuracy, flexibility, and cost—and it does so with a user experience that won’t frustrate beginners or experts.