Incubators - how much does brand matter?

[schambo]

I’m looking to purchase a small incubator for next spring. How much does brand and price matter? Will I get decent results with a $60 Amazon special, or is a “you get what you pay for” situation?

Also, what are the key features I should be looking for?

 

[red horse ranch]

I tried several different makes of 'cheapies' in my early years of hatching. They were mostly unreliable at keeping the temperature constant. I eventually bought a Genesis Hovabator and have had several of them. They are easy to see in to and are very dependable. I have 2 of them now. They will probably cost $130 to $150. They have a full view window which is very important to me.
You can find a lot of cheaper ones but I think you do get what you pay for.

 

[Hatch in chicks]

I’m looking to purchase a small incubator for next spring. How much does brand and price matter? Will I get decent results with a $60 Amazon special, or is a “you get what you pay for” situation?

Also, what are the key features I should be looking for?

Get what you pay for most of the time.
Be looking for an auto turning system.
Can you send which incubators you have in mind that would help.

 

[HappyClucker7]

I think generally you get what you pay for. Those cheap incubators are often unreliable and the temperature and humidity can fluctuate.
I have the Nurture Right 360 which I really love. Definitely a little bit pricier, but it's worth it in my opinion.
In general, you want an incubator that has an automatic egg turner and reliable temperature and humidity controls. Also one where you don't have to take the whole thing apart to refill the water tray.

 

[Indaria]

I have a Nurture 360 but if I were to buy another one, I'd love to get one with a humidity pump. The really cheap ones do not hold temp OR humidity well. The Nurture 360 holds temp well, but you play a balancing act getting and keeping the humidity where you want it. It's not awful though. But ideally a humidity pump gives you that Set it and Forget it thing. Also buy yourself a small but high lumen flashlight to candle. Even if your incubator comes with a candler built in, use the flashlight. It's better.

 

[hobbithobbyfarm]

I’m currently incubating my first clutch of eggs in a $60 amazon incubator, due to hatch on 30th. I will let you know how it goes!

 

[kristineinks]

I just got done hatching a bunch of chicks & quail and used two $45 Meuiosd incubators from Amazon and a much more expensive Nurture Right 360. Oddly enough, in all batches hatched, the cheap incubators outperformed the Nurture Right by a fairly substantial amount. All had the occasional humidity glitches, but my hatch rate was far better in the cheap incubators. Going forward, they will be my preferred incubators to use.