How we test and score
Transparency about where our data comes from, what criteria we use to score grow systems, and what we are still working to improve.
Where we are right now
CounterRoots is a new, independent publication. Current reviews are based on aggregated manufacturer specifications and verified user feedback - not long-term in-house grow tests. We are transparent about this because it matters. Our commitment is to update pages as hands-on data becomes available and to always be clear about what has and has not been directly tested.
How we score hydroponic systems
Every system reviewed on CounterRoots is evaluated against the same seven criteria. The same rubric is applied to every product, regardless of whether we have an affiliate relationship with the retailer.
| Criterion | What we measure | Data source |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | Floor area (cm²) and height clearance required | Manufacturer specifications |
| Plant capacity | Number of grow sites; effective capacity for leafy greens vs. fruiting plants | Manufacturer specs + verified user reports |
| Light & wattage | Included light wattage, PPFD where available, spectrum type | Manufacturer specs; third-party PAR tests where published |
| Cost of ownership | Purchase price + estimated annual nutrient, electricity, and consumables cost | Retailer pricing + utility rate estimates (US average) |
| Noise | Pump and fan noise (dB where measured; qualitative otherwise) | Verified user feedback; manufacturer data where provided |
| App & automation | Whether the system has a companion app, scheduling, or sensor integration | Manufacturer feature lists + user reviews |
| Warranty | Duration and what is covered | Manufacturer warranty documentation |
How plant data is compiled
Each plant profile on CounterRoots includes parameters for pH range, EC (electrical conductivity), light requirements, days to harvest, and expected yield ranges. These figures are compiled from:
- Published horticultural research and extension service guidelines (USDA, university cooperative extension programmes)
- Peer-reviewed literature on hydroponic crop production where available
- Reputable grower reference texts (for example, Howard Resh's Hydroponic Food Production)
- Verified community reports cross-checked against at least two independent sources
We give ranges rather than single-point values because hydroponic performance varies meaningfully with light spectrum, ambient temperature, cultivar, and nutrient formulation. Where a range spans a wide band, we note the conditions that drive the extremes.
What is hands-on vs. aggregated
We want to be direct about this distinction because it affects how much weight you should place on our conclusions:
- Aggregated (current state): System scores, plant parameter tables, and cost-of-ownership estimates are built from manufacturer data, published specs, and cross-referenced user feedback. We do not currently have long-term grow data from our own units under controlled conditions.
- Directly verified: We check and cross-reference every specification claim before publishing. If a manufacturer spec contradicts credible user reports or third-party measurements, we flag the discrepancy and use the more conservative figure.
- Planned: We intend to move toward direct in-house testing as the site grows. Pages that have been updated with hands-on data will carry a clear badge indicating the date and conditions of that test.
Scoring is not for sale
No manufacturer has paid to be featured, reviewed, or scored on CounterRoots. Brands cannot pay to improve their score or to suppress a review. Affiliate commission rates do not factor into rankings - we use the same rubric applied identically to all systems.
If a product we review has a significant flaw, we publish it. If a cheaper system scores higher than an expensive one on the criteria that matter for most home growers, we say so, even when the expensive one has a higher affiliate commission rate.
Corrections and updates
Specifications change, prices change, and our understanding of what matters to home growers improves over time. If you spot an error or a claim that is out of date, please email editorial@counterroots.com. We will investigate promptly and update the page with a correction note.