Best Infrared Heater For Easy Warmth
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Optimus Quartz Radiant Infrared Heater -
Dr. Heater Infrared Space Heater -
Honeywell MyEnergySmart Whole Room Infrared Heater -
Optimus 9" Dish Infrared Heater -
Lasko 6101 Infrared Quartz Console Heater -
Buyer's Guide
Infrared heaters are a fantastic way to heat during the colder months, pushing heat in the general direction of wherever they are pointed. While this can make them less effective at warming up a room quickly, they’re great for heating an area good for an individual or small group. They often cost less to operate and act far more energy efficiently than regular household heating systems; they’re also an excellent way to save money on the energy bill during winter.
Infrared heaters naturally take longer to heat up, but the following picks begin radiating warmth almost immediately upon turning them on; it will require several hours to sufficiently warm an average-sized 120 square foot room in most cases, with larger spaces taking longer. Although larger and more powerful heaters inevitably use more electricity, each of the following selections are energy efficient enough to be used on a regular basis without driving up utility bills. These best infrared heaters in 2022 are also offer safety features such as tip-over switches and overheat protection, reducing the risk of fire or injury from contact with hot surface elements.
Comparing the Best Infrared Heater for 2022
Optimus Quartz Radiant Infrared Heater - Best Infrared Heater Overall
The Optimus H-5511 is perfect for those who want simple, effective heat. This energy-efficient model offers the choice between 400 or 800 watts, with many users finding the lower setting perfectly adequate to warm them and their immediate area enough to be comfortable. The lack of a fan makes the H-5511 almost completely silent when operating and it includes a tip-over switch and overheat cut-off for safety; the housing also stays cool to the touch even when the unit is on. Lightweight and easy to use, the durable Optimus H-5511 offers effective spot heating at an affordable price.
Dr. Heater Infrared Space Heater - Runner Up
This portable space heater from Dr Heater might be more expensive, but justifies the added cost with its style, performance, and safety features. Although relatively compact in size, this infrared heater includes wheels to easily move it between rooms. The attractive wood finish cabinet offers a stylish appearance while keeping heating elements safely tucked away. Overheat cut-off and tip-over protection are also included to ensure your safety.
The unit heats up very quickly and uses a blower instead of a fan for quiet operation while the 1500 watts of power and dual heating systems offer even heating of spaces up to 1,000 square feet. Temperature settings range from 50 to 85 degrees with auto, high, and low settings as well as an included remote control for convenience.
Honeywell MyEnergySmart Whole Room Infrared Heater - Honorable Mention
The Honeywell HZ-980 infrared heater is focused on using less energy overall with a prominent energy usage indicator for monitoring performance. The units large LCD display and touch controls are simple to use, with a choice of three basic continuous heat settings including high, medium, and low. Features include a programmable timer, with the ability to save two favorite settings for quick and easy access; a timer is also included. The HZ-980 also has a four-way tip over safety switch and over-heat protection while the included remote control lets you manage the unit from afar. Protected by a three year limited warranty, this infrared heater has been designed to be able to heat even a large room, and it can easily be moved around as needed thanks it’s caster wheels.
Optimus 9" Dish Infrared Heater - Consider
The Optimus H-4110 has been designed for personalized use such as a desk heater. Despite being very basic, this energy efficient infrared heater does include multiple safety features. There’s cool-touch housing to prevent accidental burns while a built-in carrying handle makes it easy to move the unit around. A tip-over safety switch and overheat protection are also included. This heater is a good option for someone who wants an affordable and quiet personal heater.
Lasko 6101 Infrared Quartz Console Heater - Best Infrared Heater
This infrared heater from Lasko offers saves energy by using high heat until it reaches the desired temperature and then only very low heat to maintain a consistent temperature. When it reaches three degrees over the set temperature, it will shut itself off to save energy and prevent the area from overheating. Including features include a digital thermostat, a timer up to eight hours, recessed casters make it easy to move around, and the cool-touch housing prevents burns. There’s also added safety features such as tip-over safety switch and overheat protection. Its built-in filter can be vacuumed clean for easy maintenance and the unit is covered by a three-year warranty.
Buyer's Guide
Best infrared heaters buying guide
Infrared heaters are one of the most popular types of heaters available in the market these days. The best infrared heaters are very effective at warming up large amounts of space without having a big impact on your utility bills. However, with so many units available in the market, choosing the right one for yourself can become a little difficult. This guide outlines some basic features and functions of infrared heaters that might help you in selecting the best unit.
What is an infrared heater?
Infrared heaters, also known as radiant heaters, work by emitting infrared heat that helps warm up the area they are placed in. Unlike the majority of the heaters that warm up the air in a room, the heat emitted from infrared heaters is absorbed by objects and radiated back into the room. Hence, it focuses more on warming surfaces and objects rather than the air alone. As compared to traditional heaters, infrared heaters are much more cost-effective.
What are the uses of an infrared heater?
Infrared heaters are used for both; outdoors and indoors purposes, depending on the type of infrared heater you have. The majority of time these are solely used to keep rooms and objects warm during the winter season. However, infrared heaters are mostly used to supplement already existing heating systems in larger buildings. Let's check out some of the common uses of infrared heaters.
Changing Seasons
The most common use for an infrared heater is to provide warmth during the cold months. Having an infrared heater near you in a chilly season can be quite comforting.
Moreover, these heaters skip the air and directly warm physical bodies and objects. Therefore, they are quite useful for warming areas such as warehouses, airplane hangars, and garages. As the doors to these places tend to be opened and closed frequently, infrared heaters work great for keeping the objects at these places from cooling too much.
Individual Comfort
Not every temperature suits everyone. When it comes to using heaters in homes with multiple people in it, it can be a bit difficult to stick to one temperature, since some people are more sensitive to cold as compared to the rest. Infrared heaters can be used by individuals to heat up their room according to their liking.
Helping Cold Spots
Infrared heaters are very effective at warming up areas that don’t get enough insulation from the existing heating system. Because the heating systems at most of the homes are old, they are usually not very effective at warming up the entire place, which is why they can leave behind cold spots. So, if you notice that one of the rooms at your house is much colder than the rest, that’s when an infrared heater might come in quite handy.
Comfort at Work
Infrared heaters are also used at schools, workplaces, offices, and even factories to reduce the cost of heating bills. Since infrared heaters are cost-effective, a lot of companies like to place these units in each office room - which helps cut down the need to invest in a central heating system for the whole building.
How to choose the right Infrared heater?
Let’s have a look at some of the important features of infrared heaters that need to be considered before you make the purchase.
Wattage
The amount of heat an infrared heater delivers depends upon how much wattage it can support. This might not be the case for all types of heaters out there, but it's a general rule for these units. Infrared heaters that support a wattage of 1500 can easily warm up a small to medium-sized room. Other than this, some units also support up to 4500 to 5000 watts - these are suitable for large offices and warehouses.
Safety Features
When it comes to heaters - safety features are a must. All the best infrared heaters are not only equipped with high-quality safety features, but are also certified. If the infrared heater you purchase does not come with any certification, you must use it very carefully.
Every year, numerous house fires are caused due to leaving heaters unattended. Stats from the Consumer Product Safety Commission show that every year, more than 25,000 house fires are caused due to heaters. Therefore, always try to look for a heater that comes with an automatic shutoff feature.
Portability
Portable heaters usually come in compact sizes and are easily carried from one place to another. Moreover, you can even take these heaters with you if you are traveling from one place to another. Though not necessary, this feature can be very useful in the long run.
Capacity Rating
The capacity rating of a heater refers to the measurement of the area that can be heated by a heater. This area is usually measured in square feet and the rating is mostly mentioned on the unit itself. It can help you determine whether or not the infrared heater you are purchasing would be sufficient to warm up your house or office or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are infrared heaters better than electric heaters?
As compared to space heaters, infrared heaters are much more cost-effective and safer to use. Also, the best infrared heaters are designed to keep heat loss as low as possible, hence they warm up rooms much quicker as well.
Do infrared heaters reduce electricity bills?
Since infrared heaters use less energy, they help to reduce the amount of bills that you would otherwise need to pay with using traditional heaters.
Are infrared heaters safe for health?
Yes, infrared heaters are quite safe for your health. These units emit the same radiation as a sun, so there’s really no health concern linked with infrared heaters. However, you might want to keep your distance from all sorts of heaters to ensure that you don’t burn yourself.
How long does it take for an infrared heater to work?
It takes around 30 seconds for the best infrared heaters to hit the optimal heating temperature.
