AeroGarden Bounty vs Bounty Elite: 4 Key Differences
Naila Syifa
Updated November 2024
The two popular indoor gardening models from the AeroGarden Bounty series, the Bounty and Bounty Elite, are both nearly identical in features and growing capabilities. However, some differences clearly set them apart! In which aspect does the Elite outshine its standard counterpart?
Key Takeaways
Bounty Elite's main advantage over Bounty is the lighting features, including infinite dimming instead of one-step dimming, an extra sunrise/sunset automatic dimming, and a brighter 50-watt LED compared to the Bounty's 40-watt. Bounty Elite also has a more premium stainless steel finish, though this is a minor difference. The rest of the features remain identical between the two.
AeroGarden Bounty
Smart Indoor Gardening
✓ Grow up to 9 Plants
✓ 40W LED with One-Step Dimming
✓ Customizable Light Timer
✓ Remote Control via App
AeroGarden Bounty Elite
Advanced Indoor Gardening
✓ Grow up to 9 Plants
✓ 50W LED with Infinite Dimming
✓ Sunrise/Sunset Auto Light Dimming
✓ Remote Control via App
Design
AeroGarden Bounty Elite
The Bounty Elite boasts a more premium appearance with a stainless steel finish, while the standard Bounty comes in a basic matte plastic exterior. Stainless steel does look more elegant and sophisticated in any kitchen setting.
Apart from that, both models have an identical size, 9-pod capacity, and 24-inch adjustable grow light height. They also come in similar color options: black or white for the Bounty and black or silver for the Bounty Elite.
Control Interface
AeroGarden Bounty
The control panel of the Bounty and Bounty Elite consists of a full-color touchscreen display and a set of touch buttons, both offering equally convenient access to various controls and settings.
From the display, we can adjust light schedules, pump cycles, and other growing parameters with just a few taps. The touchscreen also displays essential information like water level, days since planting, nutrient reminders, and clock.
The Bounty Elite has a few more touch buttons than the standard Bounty model, reflecting its additional customization options and features. We'll explore this in more detail in the next section.
Lighting
AeroGarden Bounty Elite
Lighting features are the main difference that gives the Bounty Elite its edge over the standard model.
First of all, the Bounty Elite outputs a brighter light with its 50-watt LED grow light system compared to the Bounty's 40-watt LED. A brighter, more intense light supports more vigorous growth and thus leads to potentially higher yields, especially for light-hungry plants like tomatoes or peppers.
Secondly, the Bounty Elite supports infinite dimming as compared to the Bounty's one-step dimming. Infinite dimming gives more precise control over the light intensity level. We can adjust the dimming percentage using the left and right arrow buttons on the control panel.
Meanwhile, one-step dimming in the standard Bounty model only allows switching between 100% and 30% brightness levels. That's why there are no arrow buttons on the control panel. Dimming is controlled by a sun-marked light button that toggles between Light On, Dim, and Light Off.
The third lighting advantage of the Bounty Elite is its sunrise/sunset feature that gradually brightens and dims the lights to simulate natural daylight patterns. When activated, the lights will slowly fade in and out over a 1-hour period instead of abruptly switching on and off.
Apart from the three lighting differences, both models share the same automated light timer and scheduling capabilities. We can set when we want the lights to turn on and off each day, and the system will maintain that cycle automatically.
Smart Features
AeroGarden Bounty
When it comes to smart features, the Bounty and Bounty Elite are identical, both offering Wi-Fi connectivity to the AeroGarden app, Alexa compatibility, and vacation mode.
The AeroGarden app lets you monitor and control your garden remotely from your smartphone, including adjusting the light timer, checking the water level, resetting the nutrient reminder, and more.
Vacation mode, which can be activated by pressing the island-marked Vacation Mode button, reduces light and water consumption to minimize maintenance needs while you're away. It is a useful feature for those who travel frequently and want to keep their garden thriving.
AeroGarden Bounty vs Bounty Elite
Final Thoughts
AeroGarden Bounty
In conclusion, the Bounty Elite has 4 advantages that set it apart from the standard Bounty: brighter LED lights, infinite dimming control, sunrise/sunset feature, and premium stainless steel finish. These added features appeal to more serious indoor gardeners who want to fine-tune their growing environment.
However, if advanced dimming features are not your priority, the standard Bounty model delivers identical core functionality at a more budget-friendly price point. It matches the Elite in its ability to nurture up to nine plants and provides the same smart monitoring and control capabilities.
If you like to read more about Indoor Smart Garden, check out our other relevant guides here:
AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 vs Harvest Elite
AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 vs Bounty
AeroGarden Harvest Elite vs Bounty Elite
AeroGarden Bounty vs Bounty Basic
AeroGarden Bounty Basic vs Elite
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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