HovaBator 2370 vs HovaBator 1588: What's the Difference?

If you have narrowed your search down to these two incubators, you are already ahead of most first-time hatchers. Both come from GQF Manufacturing, both wear the HovaBator name, and both are proven, American-made machines that backyard chicken keepers have relied on for decades. But they are not the same incubator, each wearing a different price tag. They use different thermostats, power systems, and viewing windows, and those differences affect how each one performs once eggs are inside.

This guide breaks down exactly what separates the HovaBator 2370 from the GQF HovaBator 1588, based on manufacturer specifications, real hatcher feedback, and years of customer questions we hear at Incubator Warehouse by the end, you will know which HovaBator incubator actually fits your setup, your budget, and your eggs.

Quick Answer

The HovaBator 2370 is a budget-friendly, forced-air incubator with a digital thermostat that displays only the temperature. The HovaBator Genesis 1588 costs more but adds a full digital display for temperature and humidity, a hatch-day counter, a larger single viewing window, and a low-voltage 12V power system.

If price and simplicity matter most, go with the 2370. If you want built-in humidity monitoring and a bit more capacity for chicken eggs, the 1588 is the better long-term pick.

HovaBator 2370 vs HovaBator 1588 at a Glance

What Is the HovaBator 2370?

The HovaBator 2370 is the modern, digital version of GQF's classic still-air Hova-Bator. It keeps the same familiar Styrofoam shell but swaps the old wafer thermostat for an electronic one, so you set your temperature on a screen instead of turning a dial and guessing.

Key specs:

• Accurate electronic thermostat with a bright digital display in Fahrenheit or Celsius

• Circulated air system for even heat, with the option to shut the fan off for still-air or reptile incubation

• Two 4x6 inch viewing windows on the lid

• Washable plastic liner for easy cleanup

• Built-in water channels for manual humidity control

• Runs on standard 110V household power at 30 watts

• Holds about 46 chicken eggs, 188 quail eggs, 90 pheasant eggs, or 40 turkey and duck eggs without a turner

This is the incubator GQF built for people who want digital accuracy without paying for extra features they will not use. It is the same footprint as the older 1602N model, so it works with the same trays and turners that longtime Hova-Bator owners already own.

What Is the HovaBator Genesis 1588?

The HovaBator Genesis 1588 sits a step up in GQF's lineup. It uses a full digital control center rather than a basic temperature readout, so it tracks temperature, humidity, and the number of days left until hatch all in one place.

Key specs:

• Digital control center that shows temperature, humidity, and a hatch-day counter

• Adjustable thermostat, preset to 100°F and adjustable down to 80°F, which makes it workable for reptile eggs as well as poultry

• Soft-Air fan technology that circulates air gently without blowing directly on the eggs, with a fan shut-off option

• One large 12x12 inch clear window for an unobstructed view of the whole tray

• Low-voltage 12V DC system, with a power converter included so it plugs into standard 110V or 220V outlets.

• Holds about 50 chicken eggs or 140 quail eggs without a turner

The 12V design is worth noting on its own. Every internal component runs on safe, low-voltage power, and the included converter handles the conversion from your wall outlet. That is a meaningful safety feature if the incubator will be running near classrooms, kids, or curious pets.

The Real Differences Between the HovaBator 2370 and 1588

The same manufacturer builds both incubators, holds similar numbers of eggs, and uses the same styrofoam-and-fan design philosophy. But once you look past the shared HovaBator name, six differences actually decide which one belongs on your counter.

Temperature Display vs Full Temperature and Humidity Readout

The 2370's digital display shows temperature only. If you want to track humidity, and you should, you will need to add a separate hygrometer like the IncuTherm Plus Hatch Monitor. The 1588's control center already shows both numbers on the same screen, along with a day counter, so there is one less accessory to buy and one less thing to check separately.

This is the single biggest functional gap between the two models, and it is also the reason the 1588 costs more. For more on why this matters, see our post on whether you need humidity control in an incubator.

Two Small Windows vs One Big Window

The 2370 has two 4x6 inch windows built into the lid. The 1588 has one large 12x12 inch window that lets you see the entire egg tray at once. Hatchers who have run both side by side often report that the 2370 actually maintains a slightly steadier temperature, likely because smaller windows lose less heat than a single large one.

If you want to watch every egg without opening the lid, the 1588 wins on visibility. If you want the most stable heat retention, the smaller windows on the 2370 have a slight edge.

Power System: 110V Household Current vs 12V Low Voltage

The 2370 plugs straight into a standard 110V outlet like any small appliance. The 1588 steps everything down to 12V DC through an included converter, a safer setup for households with children or anyone running several incubators in one room.

Egg Capacity and Turner Compatibility

The 1588 edges out the 2370 for chicken eggs, holding around 50 compared to 46. The 2370 holds more quail eggs, around 188 compared to 140, since its layout suits smaller eggs a bit better. Both models accept the IncuTurn automatic egg turner sold separately. If turning is new to you, our guide to egg turning and why it matters explains why an automatic turner is worth adding to either setup.

Price Gap

At $84.99, the 2370 is one of the more affordable digital incubators GQF makes. The 1588 runs about $60 more. That gap buys you the humidity readout, the day counter, the bigger window, and the low-voltage power system. Our breakdown of what an egg incubator really costs can help you weigh that gap against the rest of the market.

Reptile and Specialty Hatching

Both incubators let you shut off the fan for still-air operation, which reptile keepers often prefer. The 1588 has an edge here since its thermostat adjusts down to 80°F, giving more room to dial in the lower temperatures many reptile species need. The 2370 can still handle reptile eggs, but its adjustment range is narrower.

Which HovaBator Should You Buy?

Neither model is objectively better. They are built for slightly different hatchers. If you are still weighing your options across brands rather than just within the HovaBator line, our egg incubator buyers guide walks through the wider lineup, and our post on what features actually matter in an incubator is a good next read before you check out.

Getting the Most Out of Either Incubator

A handful of low-cost accessories make a real difference in hatch rates no matter which HovaBator you buy:

• An automatic egg turner saves you from having to turn eggs several times a day.

• A hygrometer, especially if you buy the 2370, keeps humidity readings accurate rather than guessed.

• An egg candler lets you check fertility and embryo development without opening the incubator and losing heat.

You can find all of these in our egg incubator accessories collection. Once your eggs hatch, chicks need a clean, warm space right away, so set up your after-hatch supplies and brooder accessories before hatch day arrives, not after.

Common Questions Hatchers Ask

Is the 2370 loud? 

Some owners note the fan on the 2370 runs louder than older Hova-Bator models. It does not affect performance, but keep it in mind if the incubator will sit somewhere quiet.

Can either incubator be insulated in a cold room? 

Yes, both can handle extra insulation such as a towel or foam board around the outside. Just make sure you never block the vent holes, since airflow is still required even with extra insulation.

Will I get a better hatch rate with the more expensive model? 

Not necessarily. Hatch rate depends far more on egg quality, humidity control, and consistent temperature than on which HovaBator you choose. Our post on whether expensive incubators actually work better covers this in more depth.

According to Mississippi State University Extension, chicken eggs hatch best when kept close to 100°F in a forced-air incubator, with relative humidity around 58 to 60 percent for most of the incubation period, then rising for the final days. That target applies to both models, so the incubator you choose matters less than how closely you track those two numbers throughout the process.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Q: Is the HovaBator 2370 the same as the HovaBator 1588? 

Ans: No. They share a similar shape, and both use digital thermostats, but the 1588 adds humidity monitoring, a larger window, a hatch-day counter, and a 12V low-voltage power system. The 2370 is the more basic, more affordable option.

Q: Which HovaBator holds more eggs? 

Ans: The 1588 holds slightly more chicken eggs, around 50 versus 46. The 2370 holds more quail eggs, around 188 versus 140, because of its tray layout.

Q: Can I use an automatic egg turner with both models? 

Ans: Yes. Both the 2370 and the 1588 are compatible with the IncuTurn automatic egg turner, sold separately.

Q: Do I need a separate thermometer for the 2370? 

Ans: For humidity, yes. The 2370's display only shows temperature, so a separate hygrometer is recommended for tracking moisture levels.

Q: Is the Genesis 1588 good for beginners? 

Ans: Yes. Its digital control center simplifies monitoring, which many first-time hatchers appreciate. See our guide to the best incubator for first-time users for more beginner-friendly options.

Q: How long do these incubators last with proper care? 

Ans: Both are built to last several hatching seasons when cleaned between batches. Our guide on how to maintain an egg incubator covers the steps, and our list of common incubator problems and fixes is worth bookmarking before your first hatch.

Which Incubator Offers Better Value?

The HovaBator 2370 and the HovaBator 1588 both come from a manufacturer with a long track record in the incubator space, and either one will get eggs to hatch day when temperature and humidity are managed correctly. The real decision comes down to how much monitoring you want built into the display and how much you are willing to spend to get it. If you want the simplest, most affordable digital HovaBator, the 2370 gets the job done. If you want humidity tracking, a larger window, and a bit more chicken-and-egg capacity in one unit, the 1588 is worth the extra cost.

Whichever one you pick, browse our HovaBator 2370 and HovaBator Genesis 1588 product pages for full specs, current pricing, and combo kits that bundle in the accessories you will need for your first hatch.

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