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Alternative-Heating-Info.com
More Space Heater Reviews and Information
Child Proof Space Heaters
Decorative Gel Fireplaces
Wall Mounted Gas Space Heaters
Garage Gas Heaters
Space Heater Sizing and Safety
Amish "Roll and Glow" Heater Review
How Much Does it Cost to Run a 1,500 Watt Space Heater?
Child Proof Space Heaters
Decorative Gel Fireplaces
Wall Mounted Gas Space Heaters
Garage Gas Heaters
Space Heater Sizing and Safety
Amish "Roll and Glow" Heater Review
How Much Does it Cost to Run a 1,500 Watt Space Heater?
Sam's Guide To Small Space Heaters (En Espanol)
Welcome to the 2010 edition of Sam's Guide to Small Space Heaters.
This year's space heater reviews include perennial favorites like the DeLonghi oil
filled radiator along with many new additions including my personal favorite, the
Lasko 5141.
For the purposes of this guide, a small space heater is defined as a portable electric
radiant or convection heater with a maximum heat output of 1500 watts. Only
those rated an average minimum of 4 out of 5 stars by consumer reviews are
included.
The "best space heater" will always be the one that matches your needs at a price
you can afford.
Electric Radiant Space Heaters for One or Two People
Radiant heaters work like the sun by warming people and objects. Low wattage
radiant heaters (800 watts) without fans are not designed to heat large rooms, but
excel at providing instant heat for one or two people. Since there's no fan, these
heaters are SUPER QUIET.
This year's space heater reviews include perennial favorites like the DeLonghi oil
filled radiator along with many new additions including my personal favorite, the
Lasko 5141.
For the purposes of this guide, a small space heater is defined as a portable electric
radiant or convection heater with a maximum heat output of 1500 watts. Only
those rated an average minimum of 4 out of 5 stars by consumer reviews are
included.
The "best space heater" will always be the one that matches your needs at a price
you can afford.
Electric Radiant Space Heaters for One or Two People
Radiant heaters work like the sun by warming people and objects. Low wattage
radiant heaters (800 watts) without fans are not designed to heat large rooms, but
excel at providing instant heat for one or two people. Since there's no fan, these
heaters are SUPER QUIET.
Both the Soleus Air and Optimus 5210 have 400 watt and
800 watt settings and heat instantly and silently without
depleting oxygen or stirring up dust.
The cost to run these heaters is 4 1/2 cents per hour on low
and 9 cents per hour on the high setting.
The Soleus Air MS-09 Oscillating Radiant Heater is a cost
effective choice for workshops or garages when you want to
heat just you and not the entire building.
The Optimus 5210, when set at 800 watts, is ideal for a
small 8 x 10 room. The low 400 watt setting works best for
spot heating the area around a computer work station.
800 watt settings and heat instantly and silently without
depleting oxygen or stirring up dust.
The cost to run these heaters is 4 1/2 cents per hour on low
and 9 cents per hour on the high setting.
The Soleus Air MS-09 Oscillating Radiant Heater is a cost
effective choice for workshops or garages when you want to
heat just you and not the entire building.
The Optimus 5210, when set at 800 watts, is ideal for a
small 8 x 10 room. The low 400 watt setting works best for
spot heating the area around a computer work station.
The Delonghi TRH0715 Safe Heat Oil Filled Radiator has
many enthusiastic users. This oil filled heater is clean, quiet
and works well at heating small to medium sized rooms.
Retractable wheels allow you to easily move or store the
device.
Oil filled heaters are some of the safest in use today. So
much so, many universities prohibit the use of any other
type of portable heater in their dormitories.
many enthusiastic users. This oil filled heater is clean, quiet
and works well at heating small to medium sized rooms.
Retractable wheels allow you to easily move or store the
device.
Oil filled heaters are some of the safest in use today. So
much so, many universities prohibit the use of any other
type of portable heater in their dormitories.
I am no longer the fan I once was of the micathermic heater.
Too many recent reviews cite shooting sparks and hot spots.
You can find out more by reading my report:
Micathermic Flat Panel Heaters: Too Hot To Handle
In place of the micathermic heater I've substituted the
Lakewood EP-2000 electrothermic heater which uses an
infrared wave length for better heat protection. The quiet
electrothemic technology is up to 20% more energy efficient
than other micathermic models on the market.
Too many recent reviews cite shooting sparks and hot spots.
You can find out more by reading my report:
Micathermic Flat Panel Heaters: Too Hot To Handle
In place of the micathermic heater I've substituted the
Lakewood EP-2000 electrothermic heater which uses an
infrared wave length for better heat protection. The quiet
electrothemic technology is up to 20% more energy efficient
than other micathermic models on the market.
The EdenPure/Sun Twin quartz infrared heater continues
to generate more controversy than any other space heater I
know of. Since none of the current models has a 4 star or
better rating, they're no longer featured on this page.
To be fair, none of the issues consumers have with the
EdenPure are safety related. It all boils down to spending
$400+ for what amounts to a 1,500 watt space heater.
Read more about the pros and cons of the EdenPure here.
to generate more controversy than any other space heater I
know of. Since none of the current models has a 4 star or
better rating, they're no longer featured on this page.
To be fair, none of the issues consumers have with the
EdenPure are safety related. It all boils down to spending
$400+ for what amounts to a 1,500 watt space heater.
Read more about the pros and cons of the EdenPure here.
Whole room Ceramic and Convection Heaters
The remaining products featured on this page are either ceramic or convection
heaters equipped with fans. Any fan assisted space heater will heat a room 3 times
faster than one without.
The remaining products featured on this page are either ceramic or convection
heaters equipped with fans. Any fan assisted space heater will heat a room 3 times
faster than one without.
| Sun Twin 1500 |
My wife loves our Lasko 5141 ceramic heater. We've had
one for 3 years and it still runs like the day I took it out of
the box.
The oscillating (side to side) motion does a good job
distributing the heat and, if noise is a concern, the fan is
quiet by any standard.
It gives off a "soft" heat (my wife's term) and raises the
temperature of our 375 sq. ft. living room by 6 degrees in
about 15 minutes.
According to many user reviews, the Vornado DVH is
probably your best bet if you're trying to heat a larger
enclosed area (400+ sq. ft.) like a basement with only one
space heater.
The exterior is cool to the touch and the tightly scrolled
grillwork keeps little fingers out of harm's way. The fan must
be placed on a level floor and is not intended for use on
desks or counter tops.
Holmes HCH4953-U Ultra Quiet Ceramic Heater
The most frequent space heater complaint voiced by
consumers is noise.
If noisy space heaters drive you to distraction reviewers
confirm this is the quietest space heater they've ever
owned.
Other features include One Touch thermostatic control and
automatic shut off if it overheats or is accidentally tipped
over. Best of all its priced to fit every budget.
Electric Stoves
Similar to the electric fireplace, an electric stove is a radiant,
fan assisted space heater installed in a decorative housing.
The most popular model by far with consumers is the
Dimplex CS3311 compact electric stove.
This portable, compact unit has a simulated 3D fire within
the chamber to deliver the illusion of a natural, crackling fire.
Just plug it in - great for apartment or condos.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are a romantic and more expensive
version of the typical space heater. Since most models use a
similar 1,500 watt heater, the cost of individual fireplaces is
determined by the design of the surround and other
enhancements.
I don't rate individual electric fireplaces because they're
more furniture than heater. If you're interested in learning
more about electric fireplaces please visit the 2010 edition
of Sam's Guide to Electric Fireplaces.
one for 3 years and it still runs like the day I took it out of
the box.
The oscillating (side to side) motion does a good job
distributing the heat and, if noise is a concern, the fan is
quiet by any standard.
It gives off a "soft" heat (my wife's term) and raises the
temperature of our 375 sq. ft. living room by 6 degrees in
about 15 minutes.
According to many user reviews, the Vornado DVH is
probably your best bet if you're trying to heat a larger
enclosed area (400+ sq. ft.) like a basement with only one
space heater.
The exterior is cool to the touch and the tightly scrolled
grillwork keeps little fingers out of harm's way. The fan must
be placed on a level floor and is not intended for use on
desks or counter tops.
Holmes HCH4953-U Ultra Quiet Ceramic Heater
The most frequent space heater complaint voiced by
consumers is noise.
If noisy space heaters drive you to distraction reviewers
confirm this is the quietest space heater they've ever
owned.
Other features include One Touch thermostatic control and
automatic shut off if it overheats or is accidentally tipped
over. Best of all its priced to fit every budget.
Electric Stoves
Similar to the electric fireplace, an electric stove is a radiant,
fan assisted space heater installed in a decorative housing.
The most popular model by far with consumers is the
Dimplex CS3311 compact electric stove.
This portable, compact unit has a simulated 3D fire within
the chamber to deliver the illusion of a natural, crackling fire.
Just plug it in - great for apartment or condos.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are a romantic and more expensive
version of the typical space heater. Since most models use a
similar 1,500 watt heater, the cost of individual fireplaces is
determined by the design of the surround and other
enhancements.
I don't rate individual electric fireplaces because they're
more furniture than heater. If you're interested in learning
more about electric fireplaces please visit the 2010 edition
of Sam's Guide to Electric Fireplaces.
Pros and Cons of Fan Assisted Space Heaters
Fan assisted heaters tend to dry out the air and stir up dust
and allergens to some degree. This could be problematic for
people with asthma or other respiratory problems.
On the other hand, a fan assisted heater will distribute the
heat 3 times faster. On some models, the fan can be run
independently of the heater for year round use.
If dry air is a concern, a separate humidifier or combination
space heater/humidifier should solve the problem.
Fan assisted heaters tend to dry out the air and stir up dust
and allergens to some degree. This could be problematic for
people with asthma or other respiratory problems.
On the other hand, a fan assisted heater will distribute the
heat 3 times faster. On some models, the fan can be run
independently of the heater for year round use.
If dry air is a concern, a separate humidifier or combination
space heater/humidifier should solve the problem.
The WIN 100 Programmable Outlet Thermostat is the perfect
solution for space heaters and window air conditioners
without built in thermostats.
Works with all standard 110 volt 15 amp circuits. Moves
easily from room to room with your space heater.
Easy to program and re-program to match your personal
preferences. Also comes with a preset energy saving
program.
solution for space heaters and window air conditioners
without built in thermostats.
Works with all standard 110 volt 15 amp circuits. Moves
easily from room to room with your space heater.
Easy to program and re-program to match your personal
preferences. Also comes with a preset energy saving
program.
The Vornado Personal Foot Warmer will quickly take the chill
off whether you use it under your desk or while watching TV.
Rated at 225 watts the Vornado Personal Heater is nearly
twice as powerful as the Cozy Legs desk heater yet costs
only 2 cents an hour to operate.
Choose from high heat, low heat, or fan only for summer
time cooling.
off whether you use it under your desk or while watching TV.
Rated at 225 watts the Vornado Personal Heater is nearly
twice as powerful as the Cozy Legs desk heater yet costs
only 2 cents an hour to operate.
Choose from high heat, low heat, or fan only for summer
time cooling.
Whole Room Radiant Space Heaters
The next two heaters are rated the maximum 1,500 watts and do not have fans.
The trade off is quiet, non-drying, dust free heat for longer room warm up times.
The next two heaters are rated the maximum 1,500 watts and do not have fans.
The trade off is quiet, non-drying, dust free heat for longer room warm up times.
Compact Heaters
Lasko 754200 Only 10" high but has the same 1,500 watt
output found in full size models. The inexpensive price makes
it easy on the budget when you need more than one heater.
Features include a programmable thermostat, quiet
operation, and a ceramic element that provides maximum
heat & safety. UL-listed and carries a three year warranty.
It's hard to find an owner of the Pelonis B-6A1 who isn't
impressed with the heat output from this compact heater.
Many owners report 10 years or more of service without
missing a beat.
Uses 4 - 100% ceramic discs for efficient performance. Also
includes thermostatic controls, washable filter and a 3 year
limited warranty.
Lasko 754200 Only 10" high but has the same 1,500 watt
output found in full size models. The inexpensive price makes
it easy on the budget when you need more than one heater.
Features include a programmable thermostat, quiet
operation, and a ceramic element that provides maximum
heat & safety. UL-listed and carries a three year warranty.
It's hard to find an owner of the Pelonis B-6A1 who isn't
impressed with the heat output from this compact heater.
Many owners report 10 years or more of service without
missing a beat.
Uses 4 - 100% ceramic discs for efficient performance. Also
includes thermostatic controls, washable filter and a 3 year
limited warranty.
