In many regions of Russia, you don’t get to enjoy the warmth too often. But there is plenty of time during the year for cold weather. And if you can protect yourself from it on the street with the help of warm clothes, then wearing it in the apartment is simply inconvenient. But by choosing a heater for home use, users can quickly solve the problem of poor heating. They are also suitable for offices, warehouses and other premises. Our TOP of the best heaters for the home will tell you which device to choose depending on your requirements. In it we looked at four types of devices.
Which heater is better to choose
We would like to say that there is a perfect solution that can meet the needs of every user. But, alas, the best heater, depending on the budget and selection criteria, will be different devices. We will consider only their types, describing the pros and cons of each of them. And you can make the choice yourself.
Fan heaters have gained the most popularity on the market . In reviews, heaters of this type are praised for their lightness and compactness, so they can be easily moved to another room or hidden in a storage closet. They are also inexpensive, economical and quickly heat the room. But the protective systems of such devices are often not ideal, and when purchasing them you need to be prepared for high noise levels.
Oil heaters are another type that is affordable. They are quiet and cool down slowly after being turned off, continuing to “passively” heat the room. True, their heating rate is low. But from the point of view of thermal comfort, this nuance does not apply to shortcomings. But the small size and weight, as well as the need to install heaters at a distance from the furniture, will not suit everyone.
Perhaps the best option for the home is an electric convector . It is mobile, heats the room relatively quickly, can last about 10-15 years without a single breakdown, and is also completely safe to use. True, the price of such units is not the lowest, which will not appeal to buyers on a limited budget.
The last type that we will consider as part of this rating is infrared heaters .
Like convector models, they are durable. And in terms of heating speed they have virtually no competitors. True, they can only heat surfaces that are in the “line of sight” zone. But besides this, IR devices have no disadvantages.
Criterias of choice
Which foot warmer to buy for the office under the desk? First of all, you need to decide on its operational parameters. When choosing a heating device, it is important to pay attention to:
- device power;
- volume of heating equipment;
- presence of a timer;
- possibility of temperature adjustment;
- Availability of automatic shutdown function.
In many ways, the choice of heating device is determined by the nature of its use. If you plan to use the device frequently, it is better to give preference to purchasing an infrared emitter. Remember: the main thing is to provide office employees with comfortable working conditions. If the heating device does not perform its functions, the room will be cold, and the productivity of office personnel will sharply decrease.
The best infrared heaters
Such models are ideal for small indoor spaces (about 25 square meters) or local heating. Due to their design, infrared heaters are also suitable for open areas. They can also be used as an auxiliary element in the heating system of a summer house, garage, change house, and so on.
Polaris PKSH 0508H
An excellent infrared heater for home, office and garden. It is equipped with a modern carbon heating element that does not burn oxygen and does not dry out the air during operation. The device body is made almost entirely of metal, which ensures reliability and guarantees a long service life.
The design of PKSH 0508H is suitable for horizontal and vertical installation.
The rated power of the Polaris heater is 800 W. This is enough for efficient heating of rooms measuring 15-20 square meters. You should also choose a heater for its mobility and safety - the device’s protective systems turn it off if it overheats or tips over. Additionally, the device has a 3-hour timer.
Advantages:
- two working positions;
- optimal power;
- compactness;
- does not burn oxygen;
- heating speed;
- timer function.
Flaws:
- stability in a vertical position;
- not for large rooms in cold weather.
Ballu BIH-L-2.0
Cool heater from the L-series of the Ballu brand. The manufacturer claims uniform heating of the rooms and durable construction. Reliability and durability of the device are added by a high-precision thermostat and a protective grille included in the kit. Ballu chose steel as the material for the production of the case.
One of the best infrared models in the rating consumes 2 kW of energy, providing similar heating power. The device supports floor and wall installation options. In the second case, the heater cannot be placed above 350 cm. For floor installation, you will need to purchase a telescopic tripod BIH-LS210.
Advantages:
- perforation for cooling the case;
- reflector with fins;
- protective chrome grille;
- affordable price tag;
- ease of installation;
- accurate thermostat operation.
Flaws:
- tripod must be purchased separately;
- There are defective models.
Almac IK5
Looking for an energy-saving model for a small space? Take a closer look at IR5 produced by Almac. This heater has a power of 500 W, so it is perfect for a small cottage or studio apartment. The device is intended for ceiling installation. Thanks to its light weight of 1.6 kg, the Almac heater is installed quickly and easily. The inexpensive home heater IK5 is available in black, white, silver and beige body colors.
Advantages:
- compactness and lightness;
- fastening method;
- efficiency;
- safety;
- several colors;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- small heating area.
Electric fireplaces
In an effort to effectively heat a room, many people prefer electric fireplaces with a “living fire” effect.
Note: in reality, such an electric fireplace is an ordinary fan heater with a visual imitation of a moving flame. The cost of this type of heater largely depends on the model, but is usually high due to the high-class decorative design of the housing.
One of the electric fireplace models with the body trimmed with valuable varieties of wood and 3D imitation of a living flame
Typically, an electric fireplace is built into a wall or installed close to the building envelope. The device is efficient, reliable and has sufficient power. In addition, this heater can be used not only for heating, but also as an element of room decor.
The best oil radiators
Although oil models cannot be called energy-saving, they, as noted earlier, are capable of retaining heat for a long time. When the device warms up to the required temperature, their surface becomes quite hot, so such units need enough free space. Typically suitable for rooms up to 35 m2.
Timberk TOR 21.1507 BC/BCL
A good solution for rooms with an area of 20 square meters or less. Optimal power of one and a half kilowatts, two operating modes, an accurate thermostat - all this is available in the TOR 21.1507 BC/BCL model. This oil heater also has protection against frost and overheating, convenient wheels and a “fireplace” function.
The device consists of seven sections that retain heat for a long time. Thanks to its compact dimensions (the width and length of the inexpensive Timberk heater are only 23.5 and 35 cm), the device can be conveniently stored in a closet. For this purpose, a network cable clamp is also provided on the case.
Advantages:
- best price-quality ratio;
- frost protection;
- shutdown when overheating;
- comfortable wheels and handle;
- relatively light weight (7.5 kg).
Flaws:
- short power cable.
Scarlett SC 51.2409 S5
The TOP continues with a modern oil cooler with a thermostat based on a copper alloy. As users note in reviews, this ensures high accuracy of operation, correct maintenance of the set temperature and reliability. Thanks to three stages of power adjustment, the user can choose the optimal mode depending on the weather conditions outside the window. Overheating protection, in turn, will ensure safety.
To increase efficiency, the manufacturer added a fan to the device. It helps disperse hot air around the room faster.
The operating power of the Scarlett oil heater is 2400 W. The energy consumption does not exceed 1900 W. The company claims that its device is sufficient for rooms of no more than 23 square meters. m. The control of the electric heater is mechanical - two rotary controls located on the front panel. There is also a mount for the network cable and a handle.
Advantages:
- reliable protection against overheating;
- indication of operating modes;
- relatively compact size;
- high maximum power;
- fan built into the case.
Electrolux EOH/M-5221N
One of the leaders in reviews from real customers. And in our editorial office, Electrolux EOH/M-5221N received mostly high marks. It was only a little short of being an ideal heater in terms of price-quality ratio. Still, the average cost of 5,000 rubles is not very typical for oil models for apartments and cottages.
The heater is made in the same style for the new line of the Swedish manufacturer. It looks great, so it can serve as a home decoration. The weight of the EOH/M-5221N is traditionally impressive for oil-type heaters - 10.5 kg. But the device has three power modes available at once - 1 kW, as well as 1500 and 2200 W.
Advantages:
- can work continuously for up to 45 days;
- quiet operation;
- innovative SportLINE design;
- fire safety certificate;
- effective in rooms up to 28 m2.
Flaws:
- overpriced.
Timberk TOR 51.2009 BTX
From a design point of view, this oil heater is not too different from the previously described model of the same Timberk brand. But in terms of functionality, TOR 51.2009 BTX is slightly better, which explains the one and a half times increased cost of this device.
The main difference between the heater and the younger modification is the air humidifier. It is necessary to ensure a comfortable environment in the room. If the air is too dry, it can provoke various diseases.
The high power of 2 kW also helped the device top the rating of oil models. According to the manufacturer, this is enough for 24 square meters of area, but in reality it is better to limit it to 18-20 to get maximum efficiency.
Advantages:
- humidifier;
- fireplace effect;
- cable clamp;
- high power;
- three operating modes.
How much electric heater power is needed to heat a room?
It is almost impossible to calculate the required heater power to sufficiently heat a room, since everything depends on its volume, the tightness of windows and doors, the temperature and direction of the wind outside the window. But from the practice of using electric heaters, it is known that to heat 10 m2 of space you need a heater with a power of 1000 watts.
When choosing and connecting an electric heater, you need to take into account that the electrical wiring in the apartment must have a cross-section corresponding to the power of the heater.
The best fan heaters
Depending on the power, they can be used both in small rooms (20-30 m2) and in larger rooms. Advanced fan heaters are called heat guns. They can be chosen when you need to provide efficient heating of an area of 35-40 square meters. In our TOP we did not consider such powerful solutions.
Timberk TFH S20SMX
Is it possible to choose a device for heating a house or cottage, spending a minimum of money on it, but getting maximum efficiency? Of course, if it is a fan heater TFH S20SMX from Timberk. Thanks to its weight of a modest 850 g and compact dimensions, the device can not only be conveniently stored, but also taken with you. Using the device is very simple - plug it into the outlet and start the desired mode. The best Timberk fan heater allows you to set the power to 1.2 and 2 kW with a three-position switch.
Advantages:
- compact dimensions;
- works effectively;
- carrying handle;
- two power modes;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- no airflow without heating.
RESANTA TVK-3
Electric fan heater with a thermostat that allows you to set the exact operating temperature. The device has two heating modes, switching between which is carried out using regulators on the body. The ventilation function will be useful in the summer, when it is necessary to cool rather than heat the air in the room.
One of the best price-quality fan heaters, RESANTA, is equipped with a screen for temperature control and a remote control for remote control. If you do not need such functions, then you can choose the simpler and more compact TVK-1 and TVK-2.
The fan heater is equipped with a ceramic heating element, which is one of the most environmentally friendly and reliable. During operation, it does not burn oxygen, so TVK-3 is perfect for apartments and houses. The device is protected not only from overheating, but also from tipping over.
Advantages:
- information display;
- convenient control;
- Remote control included;
- auto-rotate body;
- stable temperature maintenance;
- produced in Russia.
Flaws:
- does not remember the previous temperature.
Midea MFH2930
The second place in the rating of fan heaters was taken by the best model in the Midea range. The device is equipped with a 2 kW ceramic heater, which is enough for rooms measuring 20 square meters. All fan heater controls are located on top at a slight angle, so they are convenient to use. In reviews, buyers praise the electric fan heater for its convenient control panel and 15-hour timer.
Advantages:
- nice design;
- operating power;
- remote control;
- rotating body;
- ventilation without heating;
- rollover protection.
Flaws:
- high average cost.
VITEK VT-2052
In reviews, buyers call VITEK VT-2052 the best fan heater. Such a high popularity of the device can be explained by the best price-quality ratio and very good functionality for a heater of this class. Firstly, there is a timer that can be set for up to 12 hours. Secondly, the control in the VT-2052 is electronic, which allows you to specify the exact temperature. You can control it on the information display. The body of the device is made of white matte plastic and is equipped with an auto-rotate function for more uniform heating of the room.
Advantages:
- heats up quickly;
- relatively quiet;
- stylish appearance;
- compact dimensions;
- rotates during operation;
- electronic control.
Types of heating elements, which is better and their brief description
In addition to classification by type of operation, heaters can additionally be classified by type of heating element:
- The stitch element is a steel wire located on a dielectric core, which becomes very hot during operation of the device. The air does not have time to cool the element, the wire becomes red hot. Dust burns easily when it comes into contact with such a heater, so there is a burning smell in the air. One of the most unsafe and outdated elements, but can be found even in expensive convectors.
- Steel heating element with an aluminum jacket - aluminum easily takes heat from the steel core. It is safer and more reliable, however, due to the difference in the temperature coefficient of expansion of the two metals, steel deforms and characteristic clicks occur during operation and cooling.
- Monolith is a modern and at the same time expensive option, made of silumin. Does not make sounds during heating; the entire element participates in heat exchange. The higher the area of the element, the higher the efficiency of the heater.
The best convectors
Convector heaters are considered by many to be the best choice for residential use. They are silent, quickly heat the air and use energy economically. It is optimal to buy them for heating rooms with an average area of 15-25 square meters. m.
Ballu BEC/EZMR-1500
A reliable mechanical thermostat and a monolithic Double G Force heating element are the main distinguishing features of the BEC/EZMR-1500. In terms of reliability, they outperform most competitors, and together with the innovative Homogeneous Flow system, the device ensures uniform heating of the room.
The most affordable convector in the rating has full (1500 W) and half (750 W) power modes. The device will be effective in rooms up to 15-20 m2.
If there are children in the house, the energy-saving convector will offer a control panel locking function. An overheat sensor is also available from the security systems in the wall heater. The device is manufactured in Russia, which allowed the company to offer a record low price of 2,500 rubles.
Advantages:
- Auto Restart function;
- splash protection IP24;
- simple controls;
- lightweight and compact;
- rollover sensor;
- parental control.
Flaws:
- the cable is short;
- fastening the legs.
ATLANTIC ALTIS ECOBOOST 2
Convector from a famous French company. It definitely cannot be classified as cheap (the official price is from 10,000 rubles), but it is the most advanced model in the rating. The device has a minimalist design and can be wall-mounted or floor-mounted. There is an LCD display, also known as a digital control panel. The device can be configured to operate according to a schedule according to the days of the week; it also has a presence sensor (the heating turns on when a person is detected).
The special geometric shape of the front panel (proprietary HD technology) provides improved heat transfer. The device heats up quickly, releases heat evenly and for a long time - longer than analogues from other brands. And the aluminum heating element does not dry out the air.
Advantages:
- premium build;
- two installation options (on the wall or on the floor);
- does not dry out the air;
- efficient heating;
- energy saving;
- electronic control;
- setting up work schedules;
- fall sensor and overheat protection;
- safe for families with children - the external panel does not heat above 45 ̊C;
- Manufacturer's warranty – 5 years.
Flaws:
- Legs for floor installation must be purchased separately.
Electrolux ECH/AG2-1500 T
The rating of convector appliances continues with a model from the popular Electrolux brand. It belongs to the Air Gate Transformer System series. Devices in this line are characterized by the use of a compact monolithic Hedgehog heating element. It is 20% smaller than its analogues, but surpasses them in performance by the same amount.
Also, the energy-saving Electrolux heater boasts proprietary filtration BIO Filter System. It allows you to remove not only unpleasant odors from the air, but also bacteria and allergens. In addition to this, it is worth noting the beautiful design, which makes the wall heater a noticeable detail in a modern interior.
Advantages:
- premium build;
- two installation options;
- a heating element;
- built-in dust filter;
- electronic control;
- protection according to IP24 standard.
Ballu BEP/EXT-2000
A convector equipped with an information display and a monolithic heating element from the Ballu company. The device has an Auto Restart function, which allows you to automatically return to previous settings in the event of an unexpected shutdown (for example, during power surges). The front panel of the device is made of glass ceramics. At the top of the convector there is an enlarged Intake air intake. The device is suitable for both wall mounting and floor installation. In the second case, branded reinforced legs are used for this.
Advantages:
- compact remote control;
- quiet operation;
- luxurious appearance;
- high power of 2 kW;
- presence of a timer;
- overheat protection;
- accuracy of thermostat operation.
Noirot CNX-4 1500
The leader in the review is an electric convective heater from Noirot. In the CNX-4 model, the manufacturer used the company's best practices. The device is protected from freezing, and thanks to class 2 electrical protection it can operate 24 hours a day. All heaters in the CNX-4 range are distinguished by their strict design and IP24 certification.
By default, the Noirot convector heater only supports wall mounting. If you plan to install it on the floor, you will have to buy branded legs separately.
Noirot convectors are equipped with an electronic ASIC+ thermostat. It guarantees temperature control with an accuracy of 0.1 degrees. This not only ensures ideal indoor conditions, but also reduces energy consumption and extends the life of the heating element of the equipment.
Advantages:
- Ease of Management;
- official guarantee for 10 years;
- mimetic body coating;
- declared service life 25 years;
- high quality materials and components;
- reliability and practicality in operation;
- heating element RX Silence PLUS.
Flaws:
- the cost is high;
- legs are purchased separately.
Principle of operation
First, you need to remember the principle of operation of heaters. Fan heaters are considered the simplest devices; heating occurs due to the distribution of hot air by a fan through an incandescent lamp; the efficiency is quite low.
The principle of electric fireplaces is similar to fan heaters; as a rule, such devices are stationary and have rather a decorative component; the efficiency of such devices is at an average level.
In oil radiators, heat is distributed by heating the oil inside the heater using heating elements. Heating takes quite a long time, but cooling is noticeably slower. Due to the smooth heating of the oil inside the radiator grille, such batteries cannot be called economical, and later you will find out why, the efficiency is low. Even in some European countries they are assigned class C for energy efficiency.
Convectors operate on the principle of convection by circulating air inside the room through the heater. Heavy cold air falls down, is captured by the convector, heats up and rises, and as it rises it displaces the cold air. The efficiency of such devices is quite high.
Quartz panels are an electric heating element enclosed between artificial stone panels; the efficiency is average. First, energy is expended on heating the plates and further slow heat transfer occurs from these plates.
Infrared heaters are equipped with special emitters (lamps) that emit infrared rays that are invisible to humans and primarily heat the surrounding objects, rather than the air around them. They differ in the type of lamp emitters : halogen, carbon, quartz. Such devices are more economical than oil and electric fireplaces. The efficiency is quite high, see table below.
Infrared with micathermic heating elements have appeared quite recently. This is an innovative type of infrared heaters with the highest efficiency. Unlike conventional infrared heaters, in such heaters the source of thermal energy is a special design made of Micatherm panels, which distributes invisible, safe infrared radiation. As a result of exposure to such radiation, surrounding objects, rather than the environment, heat up.
