Best Infrared Heater Reviews of 2018
A 50 feet long electricity bill can make any common man wet with sweat in minutes, but that’s not the kind of solution against cold we are looking for, right? While it’s irrefutable that electricity is the costliest means of room heating, massive progress in technology has brought several affordable alternatives to warm up the air without leaving a dent in your wallet. Infrared heaters are complex machines. The easiest way to understand its mechanism is to compare the heating method to that of the sun. The warming effect feels much similar to the soul-soothing feeling of basking under the sun in your patio on a fine wintry noon.
Infrared spectrum isn’t visible to naked eyes and the light warms up the objects placed directly in front of it by getting absorbed in the skin molecules. This kind of heaters are extremely popular in countries where the temp hits and stays below zero degree almost half the time of the year. Infrared heaters come in various designs and sizes and capable of drawing power from different sources. In order to pick out the best infrared heater for your room or workplace, it’s important to learn the basics which include having a working knowledge of the infrared heating mechanism.
Picture | Product | Brand | Class | Review | Editor's Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr.Infrared Heater Quartz+ PTC
| Dr Infrared Heater | Mid Range | ||
| LifeSmart | Mid Range | |||
| LifeSmart | Mid Range | |||
| LifeSmart | Low End | |||
| Homegear | Low End | |||
| LifeSmart | Mid Range |
Reviews of the Best Infrared Heaters of 2016
Dr. Infrared Heater Quartz+ PTC
Editor Rating:
Dr. Infrared Heater Quartz is one of the highest rated whole room heating models in today’s tremendously competitive market. The maximum heat output of 5200 BTUs is ideal for 1000 square feet rooms.
Despite of the frigid capacity, the exterior of the beast is sleek and compact, peaceful operation makes it a good option for noise-sensitive environments. There are 3 power settings: auto, high and 1500 wattage on board and a heating setting ranging between 65 to 85 degrees and delivers 60% more heat than similar-pricing models. The heating elements are safely wrapped in hot coils, add to that, it also includes a protection system for emergency situations like overheating and tip-over.
LifeSmart Ls-1000HH Portable Heater
Editor Rating:
The Ls-1000HH Portable Heater is much more than just an eye candy. It’ one of the top rated infrared radiant heating models invented so far. If you’re searching for a supplemental heating system for your king-size 2000 sq. ft living or bedroom, the search is finally over!
The ultra-powerful Ls-1000HH has been tried and tested multiple times and has excelled in all of them with its breathtaking heating capacity in extra large rooms. More heat output generally leads to longer electricity bill, but not with this robust heater. The power consumption is minimal, all the configurations are remote controlled. Its exquisite dark oak finish keeps the exterior temp cool enough touch.
LifeSmart Power Plus 6 Element
Editor Rating:
The LifeSmart brand has tasted a roaring success after launching Power Plus 6, the most hi-tech and stylishly designed infrared heater from the house till date.
The high power unit can easily warm up a room as big as 1500 square feet in less than a minute.The inner chamber of the device comprises of 6 quartz infrared elements covered in metal coil that work like heat exchanger. You will need a domestic power output of 1500 watts to run the machine, which is available almost everywhere. But the real deal-maker is the Eco setting option, if you turn it on, the unit will use only 500 watts to function, which means 30% energy saving!
LifeSmart Life Pro Large Room 6 Element Infrared Quartz Heater
Editor Rating:
A better and more robust version of Power Plus 6.This bad boy is equipped with a digital thermostat, an air filter with lifetime warranty, three different power settings, a mute fanning system coupled with a 12 hour start and stop timer to help you scheduling the device as per your convenience.
And if that wasn’t good enough, all the features are accessible by a remote control. The entire package comes in a finely crafted two-tone wood fining housing that will take the glamour quotient of your house several notches higher.
Homegear Compact 1500W Infrared Quartz Heater
Editor Rating:
Another cost-effective, high performance whole room infrared heater from one of the most renowned names in the industry. The Homegear Compact Heater houses a combination of mica and quartz heating tubes, rendering the versatile heating performance of the equipment.
Tune to the Eco setting to save energy (750 watts), the other two options are low (1000 watts) and high (1500 watts). The bold, black casing could be a focal point of the room and increase the aesthetic appeal. Although it has a hot air blower fan, it doesn’t create noise while spreading the pleasant warmth in all directions. The settings are easy to operate on the decent LED display.
LifeSmart Compact Power Plus
Editor Rating:
The flawless infusion of technology and ergonomics rolled into a meekly compact fixture- LifeSmart Compact Power Plus is an all-in-one heating solution for potential customers lacking enough room space to place a bulky, cumbersome room heater.
The super-efficient heating ability turns up the temp conveniently in an 800 sq.ft closed surface. 3 quartz elements act as the core combustion agent for the heater, the elements are wrapped in metal coils that make each quart capable of heat exchanging on their own. Switching on the Eco setting will save you a handsome amount on the monthly electricity bill.
Different Types of Infrared Heaters
High Intensity Infrared Heaters
Unlike aquarium heater, Box heaters, plaque heaters and luminous heaters belong to this category. The ceramic tile surface incorporated in these equipments can be held accountable for the high temperature production, the key characteristic of high intensity infrared heaters. The surface generates up to 1800 degree F heat during the combustion process. In order to dissipate the combustibles properly, the combustion gases are forced through a porous matrix refractory material, executing a direct-fired operation. High intensity heaters can be further divided into two categories:
Construction Heaters
These portable top tank heaters are specially aimed for spot heating. The high quality ceramic radiant(or stainless steel) emitters operates the combustion process, yanking out ample of heat to warm up outdoor work stations such as under construction sites.
Patio Heaters
The industrial names for patio heaters are free-standing heaters, mushroom style patio heaters, suspended heaters etc. They usually manoeuvre ceramic radiant or stainless steel emitters to fritter away the combustibles, therefore, they are suitable for outdoor applications only. The free-standing units offer the benefit of mobility while the decorative pieces come with permanently installable components.
Infrared Radiant Heaters
Most portable infrared heaters use this technology to direct the heat to the immediate surroundings. This kind of heating doesn’t consume much energy, all you need is an electric outlet to plug the device and the rest will be taken care of. The big plus point of radiant heaters is the speed, you can feel the warming sensation within a minute, but only if you’re sitting close enough to it. Nonetheless, low output makes it incapable of whole room heating.
Infrared Heating
Infrared room heaters are an excellent value for money for those looking for a solid shield against cold wind for the entire bedroom or cubicle. Unlike radiant heaters, the room heater version induces more heating power to create a comfortable room temp in a 1000 sq. room. The unit operates at the standard domestic 1500 wattage. Connect the plug to the power outlet and wait for about a minute to get the room filled with warm, soothing air.
Low Intensity Infrared Heaters
Otherwise referred to as pipe heaters, positive/negative heaters and tube heaters, low intensity infrared heaters draw fresh air from the surrounding environment to activate the heating process. The vented design consists of a tube through which hot exhaust gases are expelled. The tube surface temperature cannot exceed beyond 1100 degree F.
Mechanism of Infrared Heaters
In order to learn how these amazing heaters actually work, it’s essential to grasp the concept of infrared heat. Infrared heat is akin to the warmth of sun heat. It is basically a type of radiant heat that pushes the electromagnetic waves directly to the objects around it such as skin and clothes instead of increasing the temp of the room air. We can’t see infrared light with naked eyes because it stays beyond the visible spectrum. While electromagnetic radiation is generally considered to be unsafe, modern day fixtures are designed to limit the heating range within 9 to 14 micron metres which is harmless for residential applications.
These heaters feature a filament that releases waves of electromagnetic radiation when supplied with enough heat (through electricity). The material of the filament plays a defining role in determining the speed of heating. Carbon filaments are the fastest of its kind and usually found in top end models while medium budget appliances stick to tungsten filaments. The released heat waves are partly absorbed by the molecules of specific objects which are released into the environment.consequatentially, the molecules oscillate and the energy causes them to vibrate and absorb the energy, creating an infinite loop of heating.
Infrared heating systems are terrific energy-savers as they seal the heat energy into the object molecules. The objects then slowly dissipate the warmth in the atmosphere. The released heat waves hit the surface of the target objects, creating a temperate environment. Besides the obvious pros, infrared heaters can operate and deliver best possible performance under any climatic condition. Plus, unlike traditional heating systems, they do not cause dry air. The unit can rely on different power sources such as electricity, propane and gas.
Benefits of Infrared Heaters
- Uniform transfusion of pleasant warmth is a stellar advantage of using an advanced infrared heater. The heating elements are sheathed in hot coils which not only increases the safety level but also ensures all the occupants of the room, whether stationary or moving, are equally comforted.
- Since infrared heat waves target the objects rather than transferring hot air to the air, the heat production is rapid which will help you to sedate your nerves as soon as you come back home on a snowy evening. Sitting right in front of the machine is the best way to soak the heat.
- As we all know, central room heating can be hugely expensive. Moreover, for people who are going to use the appliance only for a few hours or only one room at a time, installing whole house heating system would be an outrageous waste of money. These compact infrared heaters consume minimal power to produce gentle warmth and force the heat directly to the persons present in front. Try using one for a year and you’re sure to notice a drastic reduction in electricity bill.
- Unvented traditional space heaters introduce highly toxic and inflammable by-products such as carbon monoxide (CO), which in turn, reduces the oxygen level, leaving the air dry. Infrared heaters cause no such caustic effect. The exhaust gases travel outside through the tube so, the chances of open fuel flames or dry air are next to naught. The moot point is- infrared heating is much safer and healthier for both the environments and the housemates than the inefficient heating technologies of bygone era.
- Infrared models don’t have any oscillating fan to create annoying noises while operating. The silent working mechanism makes it a fine choice for bedroom and libraries where everybody cherishes a peaceful environment.
- There’s no fuel line or air filters to deal with. Taking care of an infrared heating machine is a walk in the park. The reflectors might have to be cleaned once in a while to keep the device at optimal condition.
Are There Any Issues with Infrared Heaters?
Unfortunately, yes. No matter how surprising it sounds, even the most high frequency infrared heaters aren’t flawless. To begin with, the major problem with infrared heating is that the warming effect disappears almost as soon as the machine is shut down. It is because electromagnetic waves do not warm up the air. This not the case with other types of warmers, the heating elements used in them take a while to cool down after the unit is unplugged from the socket.
Another downside is the limited heat exposure. Infrared heaters provide maximum efficiency when the heating objects are located in the immediate vicinity. There’s no fan no blow the warm air all around the surface space. So, if the housemates are constantly moving around, only the individuals close to the equipment will receive sufficient comfort.
Qualities to Look for While Shopping for the Best Infrared Heater
Heating Capacity
In an effort to evaluate the heating efficiency of a specific model accurately, you need to choose an equipment according to the dimension of the room. Radiant infrared heaters work best when you’re reading or working on a desk or static in your room as the heat will be directed right towards you when you’re stationary. If you’re looking for something more impactful, like a whole room heater (measuring around 1000 sq.ft), a quartz room heater could be ideal for you.
Heater Size and Weight
Large heaters will eat up much of the important living space in your room, try to get your hands laid on a more compact and lightweight appliance if you’re short on free space. The lighter the heater, the easier it will be to relocate from one room to the next.
Air Cleaner
Air purifiers help eliminating dirt and dust particles and similar other impurities from the indoor air. All well-built infrared warmers come with built-in air purifiers, the most up-to-date models include easy-to-clean filters to lower the hassle of periodical manual cleaning. These special filters can be dismounted easily for a quick rinse and re-attached with equal convenience.
Durability
At the core of infrared heaters, either a quartz tube or bulb filament functions as the chief heating element. The life expectancy of these delicate components heavily depends on the brand. The best infrared heaters in the present market can last up to 60000-70000 hours. Check out the online ratings and read existing customer reviews to get authentic details about the durability of a device before jumping to any conclusion.
Forced Draft System
This features come handy in cleaning the combustion products of quartz tube infrared heaters. Forced draft system works by inducing a push mechanism under positive power in order to thrust the elements through the exchanger tubes across the length.
Multiple Burner Vacuum
This innovative vacuum system drives out the combustion by-products from radiant heaters by enforcing pull mechanism under negative pressure. The pressure build-up forces the residue through a vacuum pump.
Humidifier
It’s one of the most sought after feature in upscale models these days. Models with hard-wired humidifiers prevent the air inside the room from turning dry during super dry cold season. The special humidifier locks the essential moisture in the air and releases it in small amounts to maintain an ideal humidity level inside a closed space.
Conclusion
This article was primarily aimed to be a compilation of reviews based on my meticulous research on the best selling products of the year drawing great customer reviews and offering some really innovative designs and technologies. Eventually it dawned upon me that reading reviews alone isn’t sufficient to make a layman capable of differentiating between similar-looking, equally promising products.
Knowing what to expect from an infrared heater, having a basic idea of the most up-to-date infrared heating features and many other essential aspects will help you form an informed decision. Once you coerce the factors that influence the performance of infrared heaters, those product specification encrypted in ornate technical languages won’t able confuse your mind anymore.