You will not be able to feel the warmth in the soil or base unless you have a variable model and the temperature set above 30ºC, in which case, this is far too high for most seedlings or cuttings to grow. The human body temperature averages at around 36ºC so with a standard soil temperature of 18 to 23ºC, it will always feel cold to the touch. Don't worry - it's cosy enough for your veggies!
Propagators are designed to maintain a set temperature. If the ambient temperature is already at the set temperature then the thermostat will not heat up as it is not required. If the ambient temperature is very low then the propagator will remain on but may not reach temperature as it is outside of the performance of low-wattage products.
What is the temperature inside of the propagator? Propagators are low wattage and so produce a very gentle heat (if you imagine the heat from a low voltage light bulb spread out over the large area of the propagator). It works by this heat building up with the propagator cover in place correctly and will take time. The base of the propagator will not be warm to touch but this does not mean the propagator is not working.
You can also read further advice on propagators on our blog.
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