• Last updatedLast updated: Nov 03, 2022

10 Fabulous Infrared Heaters – Top Choices of 2022

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Don’t you hate it when the room goes cold right after the heater shuts off?

It’s a never-ending battle between stuffy, over-warm air and a draft that chills your toes. Fortunately, there’s a way to reach the cozy middle we’ve all been looking for. The best infrared heater is designed to heat a room more effectively than an ordinary space heater. Its efficient design will help to save money and keep you comfortable, even when the temperatures outside plummet.

These specialty space heaters produce energy on a particular wavelength that works fast and keeps objects warm for a long time. Infrared radiant heaters also tend to be safer than conventional space heaters, since the coils don’t become extremely hot. They dry the air less than other space heaters or forced-air furnaces. These heaters even operate quietly, so they won’t interrupt your conversation.

Why haven’t we all bought one already?

It might be because we’re not sure which infrared heater is right for our needs. An infrared heater for the garage isn’t likely to perform well in the bedroom, after all. It takes a little bit of homework to get your perfect infrared heater, but it doesn’t have to be a hard process. With a little perseverance and some critical thinking, anyone can figure out which heater will do the best job.

To start with, we’ve rounded up the top 10 heater models and reviewed all their features. You’re certain to find the right one for your needs!

Features
  • Dual-heating system that includes both ceramic and infrared heating elements
  • Oscillation function provides fast, even heating for a larger space
  • Overheat and anti-tip protection for fire safety
  • Remote and automatic thermostat allow hands-free temperature adjustment
  • Lifetime filter for low-maintenance use
  • Durable casters allow easy portability

Let’s face it: dry wintertime air can make you cough and feel terrible, even when you’re not actually sick.

Heaters are among the biggest contributors: they suck moisture from the air and leave it bone-dry and lifeless. The DR998 from Dr. Infrared Heater is designed to combat this problem. It has a built-in humidifier that produces a fine, soothing mist. In other words, this model allows you to operate the heater, humidifier, and fan individually or together to create the ideal environment.

But that’s not even the best part!

Just remember that while the fan inside the unit oscillates, the case itself is immobile. That can restrict the available heating and cooling range for this device. Position the heater in the right spot, however, and you’ll greatly increase its ability to keep your rooms warm.

Conclusion

The Dr. Infrared Heater DR998 is an excellent choice if you want to avoid storing a separate heater, oscillating fan and humidifier. This generally quiet infrared heater does create a little white noise when running on its highest setting. When used on low, the device is almost silent. Running on the lowest setting also helps this model save energy. Most users won’t require the high setting unless their rooms are very cold.

This infrared heater with humidifier is portable enough to roll with you from room to room throughout your day. That keeps central heating bills low without consigning you to cold fingers. If you haven’t started using zone heating in your home, it could be time to let this unit show you how.

For consistent heat without the need to run a noisy conventional appliance, the DR998 is a great choice!

Position your heater near heat absorbers such as carpets, and stone walls to help retain the heat in the room.

What do we love it for?

  • Multiple functions in one compact case
  • Energy-saving setting
  • Solid construction and attractive design
  • Heats spaces quickly, without hot spots
  • Small footprint

What were we disappointed with?

  • Requires owner-provided water bottle to run humidifier
  • Produces a low hum that can distract some users
Features
  • A washable air filter meant for lifetime use lets you avoid wasteful disposable filters
  • Attractive metal cabinet with modern design elements
  • Infrared quartz heating elements reduce dry air and dust
  • Efficient “Eco” setting heats smaller areas using the least possible energy
  • Standby mode prevents electrical issues and reduces fire risk

This green, eco-friendly electric heater is cool to the touch, so it’s safe around kids and pets.

Even prying little fingers won’t be able to reach any hot surfaces on this heater. When you want a safe but energy-efficient space-heating option, think about Lifesmart’s six-element model.

Want to know even more?

With its sleek, dark metal cabinet, this heater works well in rooms where wood just wouldn’t look right. After all, most cabinet-style infrared devices are housed in oak or similar cases. These look fine when you have classic-style furniture. Traditional oak doesn’t really mix with mid-century modern pieces or other funky shapes. If you’ve never really wanted your heater to stand out visually, the LS-6BPIQH-X-IN might be the heater for you.

Conclusion

This standalone infrared quartz heater would be ideal for anyone who needs more heat without more energy use. It heats rooms up to and over 500 square feet evenly and efficiently. While its relatively slow fan keeps Lifesmart’s 6-element heater quiet, it also decreases heating speeds.

That makes this Lifesmart model best for those of us who want rooms kept at a constant temperature. If you prefer to leave your heat off overnight, give this model plenty of time to bring the temperature up in the morning.

With large, clear digital controls and a large-button remote, the heater is easy to program and adjust. Unfortunately, this model has no “display off” function, so it’s not the right heater for most bedrooms. In the kitchen, living room or basement, however, the Lifesmart LS-6BPIQH-X-IN can keep you warm without increasing heating bills.

It offers a build solid enough to make us all happy, and it’s safe enough for use in kids’ rooms, even with no parents present!

What are its best features?

  • Three separate heat settings, including Eco mode
  • Programmable 12-hour timer and remote control
  • Large, readable digital controls
  • One-year warranty on infrared elements and electrical components

What could be improved?

  • Relatively low fan speed
  • Digital display remains lit at all times
Features
  • Eight quartz infrared elements for heating big spaces
  • Large, clear digital display with programmable timer, thermostat and remote
  • Multiple energy settings for higher energy efficiency
  • Durable wood cabinet with smooth-running casters
  • All hot elements safely enclosed in a wooden cabinet that stays cool to the touch

If you’re someone with bigger heating needs, Lifesmart’s Lifelux Series 8 element heater could be your best choice. This attractive little heater has a sleek wood cabinet that also serves as an end or occasional table.

It’s made for extra large rooms: up to 1800 square feet. That’s suitable for a basement rec room, a chilly wing of the house, or an accessory apartment. If you want to supplement a heat pump or keep the chill off when the furnace isn’t running, consider choosing this surprisingly powerful little heater.

What about the power?

With a 1400W high setting, this device has enough power to heat most open rooms. That makes it much more efficient than convection heaters, which can draw up to twice as much power for the same task.

Many users will require only the lower-wattage settings to maintain a good temperature. You just have to remember that volume is as important as square footage when it comes to heating. If you have vaulted ceilings in your home, turn your infrared device up a little.

Conclusion

The Lifesmart LS-8WIQH-LB-IN provides all the power you need heat a big room and keep it warm. If your basement game room tends to be chilly, or your enclosed sun room is a little drafty, this infrared heater can help!

Use the large, comfortable remote to set a 12-hour timer, and your room will be just as cozy when you get home as when you left. The unit’s small size and caster wheels make it easy to move around the home, too.

This Lifesmart heater works best for people who want to maintain the same temperature all the time. If you prefer to turn the heat off at night, your room could stay cold for a little while as the heater works. Just allow some extra time, or use the convenient “Eco” setting to efficiently maintain your room at 68 degrees when you’re not using it. The process is automatic!

What are our favorite features?

  • Heats large rooms effectively
  • Safe, heavy-duty power cord
  • Self-regulating
  • “Eco” setting saves power

What could be better?

  • Fan can get loud in high settings
  • Draws more power than smaller models
  • Takes time to reach target temperature
Features
  • 1500 watts maximum energy use for better efficiency
  • Sturdy wood cabinet construction
  • Convenient casters for easy mobility
  • Anti-tip and anti-overheating safety functions to reduce worries

If you love the look of wood but don’t need the power of an eight-element heater, the Lifesmart LS-1000X-6W-IN is a great choice. This model offers the efficiency and low power use of the six-element LS-6BPIQH-X-IN, wrapped in an attractive wood casing. Since this heater remains safe and cool to the touch, it can be used as a handy small table while it provides a warm, comforting environment.

Sounds good, isn’t it?

Just like the LS-6BPIQH-X-IN, this heater is energy-efficient and can help you keep spaces warm without increasing your heating bills. It blends in with traditional-style furniture and makes a great infrared heater for the bathroom, home office or bedroom. Since it’s not quite as powerful as Lifesmart’s eight-element product, this heater doesn’t run quite as loudly at the highest setting.

Conclusion

With a maximum 1500 watt capacity, Lifesmart’s 6-element wood cabinet heater provides plenty of warmth for as much as 1400 cubic feet of space. It helps maintain temperatures in cooler parts of the house, and it acts as an excellent supplement to a larger furnace.

This model is safe around children and pets, due to its sturdy build and low exterior temperature. It even comes with a one-year warranty to ensure you stay warm and comfortable all winter long.

This heater isn’t as effective when you need to heat a very large space, however. If you have an open plan living room and kitchen combo or a large basement game room, this smaller infrared space heater might struggle. Consider using this heater as a supplemental heater in those spaces, or choose a more powerful model. Very high ceilings can also be a challenge for smaller heaters.

But here is the deal!

For comfort in your home office, den, studio apartment or workshop, however, the Lifesmart LS-1000X-6W-IN is an efficient and attractive choice. Its wrapped infrared elements heat more quickly and evenly than non-wrapped components. Cold-season heating can be really expensive with conventional devices, but Lifesmart is here to help you stay comfortable this winter without breaking your budget.

What are its best features?

  • Heats up to 1400 cubic feet evenly
  • One year warranty on manufacturing and parts
  • Attractive design to blend in with furniture
  • Remote operation and digital controls
  • Easy-glide casters make this unit truly portable

What could be improved?

  • Fan can be loud in quiet spaces
  • Not appropriate for very large rooms
Features
  • Dual high limit sensors
  • Touch safe front grill cover
  • ETL approved
  • Tip-over sensor
  • Copper PTC with auto-reboot feature
  • Two power settings
  • Full 1-year manufacturer’s warranty

This box-like machine has a copper PTC heating element at its core which deserves heaps of praise. What’s more, the heating element comes with an auto-reboot feature, which caters to situations where there is a power outage. As soon as the power comes back, the machine is sure to get back to heating the room.

It is also safe for kids if they are running around while the device is working.  Everybody in the house can touch the front grill cover without fear of getting hurt.

EdenPURE TS 1000 continually monitors temperatures, thus ensuring the PTC remains within acceptable heating limits. That said, you will be the one to choose the temperature you want by selecting one of two power settings. The temperature range stands at 40 F to 90 F.

We also found the indoor sensor has another safety feature in the tip-over sensor. This might be handy in cases of accidents. It is also worth mentioning that you will control this heater from anywhere in the room with a remote.

The heater uncludes wheels, so it is entirely within your rights to drag the machine from room to room even if it is too heavy to lift.

You get heating and the peace of mind that comes from the various safety features when you buy this heater. The wheels perhaps are even more critical as they allow you to take the heater with you to any room you decide to stay in.

Why is it special?

  • Cool-to-touch exterior
  • Remote control
  • Two power settings
  • Regulates PTC temperature
  • Auto-reboot feature

What are the flaws?

  • Fan is a bit noisy
RELATED: 10 Modern Indoor Heaters for Large Rooms – Top Choices of 2022
Features
  • Dual heating system for quicker results
  • LED display and remote make settings simple
  • Bright, readable display
  • ETL safety-listed

Homegear offers a stylish option in its large-room infrared heater. Enclosed in an attractive gray and black case, this heater is quiet, efficient and effective. It includes a bright, easy-to-read LED display so you can check your settings at a glance. It also combines on-unit and remote controls. It’s easy to configure your Homegear Pro infrared heater however you choose.

Here is what makes this heater special.

This model of infrared heater provides two different kinds of heating tube: quartz and mica. This allows the unit to heat a room faster than models with just one kind of tube. Homegear’s infrared heater also includes a number of safety features, including anti-overheat functions that prevent fire risk. The device itself is lightweight, ETL safety-certified and stays cool to the touch, so you can trust it around even small children.

Conclusion

Solid performance marks this little infrared heater, which can heat as much as 1500 square feet comfortably. It also offers an outsized power level: at 1500 watts maximum, this heater can put out the same amount of heat as some of its larger competitors.

Just set the controls once and allow the heater to maintain the temperature you prefer. Workshops, craft rooms and far-flung guest rooms are especially good spots to try out the Homegear Pro cabinet heater.

If you have a home with older wiring, consider using a lower setting on the Homegear Pro. You’ll use less energy to maintain the temperature, and you won’t have to worry about tripping any household breakers. At 1500 watts, this infrared heater does require a 13 amp circuit, with a 15 amp circuit recommended for the best results.

How about the design?

If you don’t care for the wood look of many cabinet-style heaters, this model could be the perfect choice for you. It features modern design elements and a display with large, bright numbers. The on-unit controls do beep loudly when pressed, to indicate they’re operational. This can be distracting, but most of us won’t need to reset our Homegear infrared heaters very often.

This unit probably isn’t the right choice if you’re looking for a highly portable heater. This device has a short cord, at only around 71 inches. It also features small feet, rather than casters, on the bottom of the device. For owners who don’t intend to move their infrared heater much, however, Homegear’s large-room model is an excellent and efficient choice.

Always follow instructions on the manual to get the most out of your heater.

What makes it stand out?

  • Heats up to 1500 square feet with a 5100 BTU output
  • Two types of heating tubes for faster response
  • Lower settings use less energy and won’t trip breakers

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

  • Buttons beep when pressed
  • Cord is less than 6 feet long
  • No casters
Features
  • Rated for spaces up to 1000 square feet
  • Real hardwood and wood veneers make a stylish cabinet
  • Safety switch to prevent overheating when left unmonitored
  • Remote control, electronic timer and digital controls provide an option for every user
  • Safer Plug technology monitors plug temperature to prevent fires

This heater features a genuine wood case and basic safety features, plus all the benefits of infrared. It’s designed to keep your rooms warm without creating dry, hard-to-breathe air or cold spots.

What could be better?

This unit also helps save you money by letting you keep your furnace thermostat low. At only 5,200 BTU, this Duraflame heater isn’t going to replace your central heating system, but it will help you operate it less often.

It is rated for rooms up to 1000 square feet, so it can be used as supplemental heat in living rooms, basements, studio apartments and many other parts of the house. For smaller rooms, this heater can act as the primary heat source.

Conclusion

At around 30 pounds, the Duraflame 9HM9126-O142 is no lightweight. Fortunately, its four concealed casters help it earn the name “portable.” This heater is easy to move around and won’t overheat, even at the plug.

Duraflame protects this common weak spot with its innovative Safer Plug, which monitors plug and cord temperatures. This device features a basic black plastic grate over the heating elements and electronics. While this material lacks the style of metal, it also keeps temperatures from rising too high.

The exterior of this heater stays cool to the touch, including the grate over the heating elements. There are six separate quartz elements, allowing the device to provide supplementary heat for even fairly large rooms.

You need to add a little extra heat to a rec room or an open plan house?

This could be the right heater for your needs. The device does take a while to heat a space that started out cold, such as a sun room on a winter morning. It’s most effective when it’s used to maintain a room at the same temperature most of the time, or as a supplement to your furnace.

No matter how child-safe your heater is, mount it away from kids and pets to avoid causing accidents.

Why are we impressed?

  • Reliable heat for a variety of spaces
  • Remembers settings even after a power outage
  • Energy efficient
  • Well-known brand name
Features
  • 1500W High and 1000W Low for maximum performance and efficiency
  • Reliable Copper Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heating elements
  • Rated for rooms up to 1000 Square Foot
  • Main safety switch for safety and helps save energy
  • 2- Year Warranty for extra reassurance

Are you heating on a budget?

This heater comes with wheels that allow for enhanced portability. Enclosed in a black case with clean finishes, this EdenPURE heater complements the furniture in any room. It works like magic by delivering penetrating heat that will keep you warm without sucking out oxygen or drying out humidity from your home.

Here’s the best part…

This unit features a Tip-Over sensor that automatically shuts down the heater in case it accidentally tips over 180-degrees from the base. Since most people love remote controlled gadgets and appliances, the EdenPURE A5551b comes with a remote control that allows you to change the setting from the comfort of your couch. You will also love the auto reboot feature that restores your previous heater settings in case of power outages.

Conclusion

The EdenPURE A5551b is an easy choice for anyone looking for an infrared heater that is not only efficient, but also affordable. This heater is so easy to use and it allows you to store your settings for future use.

Rated for 1000 Sq. ft. rooms, this heater offers a powerful performance of up to 1,500 Watts without sucking the oxygen out of your space. You can always reduce the power to 1,000 Watts whenever the temperatures get too high.

What we love about this heater is that it is safe around children and pets. The tip-over sensor will always come in handy whenever the kids get too naughty.

Why are we impressed?

  • Never gets hotter than the set temperature
  • Protective features such as a tip-over sensor for enhanced safety
  • Easy-to-use controls
  • Comes with wheels for enhanced portability
  • Outside casing does not heat
  • Fireproof steel housing for safety and enhanced durability

What negatives must you be aware of?

  • The bright light from the heater might interfere with your sleep
  • The remote control unit does not use standard batteries
Features
  • 1500 watt power consumption, rated to heat 1000 square feet
  • Patented heat exchanger design preserves existing moisture in room
  • Energy efficient mode halves power consumption
  • Highly visible central LED display with remote

The Smithfield Classic from Heat Storm is an interesting device. It offers 1500 watts and six elements worth of infrared heat. It also includes a unique central LED design and a heat exchange method that helps conserve a room’s humidity.

Rated for rooms of up to 1000 square feet, this heater works in all kinds of spaces. From the playroom to the reading nook, you’ll enjoy the comforting heat of Heat Storm’s Smithfield Classic infrared heater.

Conclusion

The Heat Storm Smithfield Classic infrared heater has one of those looks you’ll either love or hate.

Unlike many similar heaters, it positions its digital display in a large central circle motif. The numbers are clear and easy to read, but the unconventional look might be off-putting for some. Otherwise, the design is one of classic wood, which will fit in with a wide range of furniture styles.

This unit also features handy casters to make it portable. These don’t come assembled already: you’ll have to attach them yourself. The job is easy, however, and the unit is otherwise fully assembled.

Heat Storm’s portable infrared heater offers two heating modes, the lower of which decreases energy consumption by half. The higher mode will heat a space faster, but it does use a higher fan speed.

This can be noisy or distracting in a very quiet room, so light sleepers shouldn’t plan on keeping this model in a bedroom. Otherwise, the Smithfield Classic heats quietly and efficiently in the background. Use it in your living room, your guest room, or any other part of the house!

 

What makes it stand out?

  • Interesting circle design feature
  • Intuitive controls
  • Fits in with existing wood furniture
  • Light and easy to carry

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

  • Requires minimal assembly
  • Fan can be loud
Features
  • Oscillating motion heats faster and more evenly
  • Two finish options to coordinate with more decorating schemes
  • Individualized programming options for multiple users
  • Clear, readable digital displays on both heater and remote control
  • Safer Plug technology monitors plug temperature to prevent fires
  • Real hardwood and wood veneer construction

Do you ever feel too cold, only to discover that a family member has reset the thermostat?

We all know that different people have different heating preferences. With this infrared heater from Duraflame, you can program your own using the remote to create an individual profile. That easily keeps your space comfortable without changing a family member’s preferences.

A step up from Duraflame’s more basic model, the 5HM8000-O142 offers a slim profile, oscillation, and some extra new programming features. In addition to the individual setting options and standard digital timer and thermostat, it also provides the option to use the device as a heater only or as an oscillating fan only.

With two different oak finishes and a real wood case, this heater would be an attractive and practical addition to your living space.

It works well in every season!

Conclusion

This tower-style infrared space heater is both warm and beautiful. It features two fan speeds, in addition to the digital thermostat. This allows you to choose a quieter environment or one that heats up quickly. The 5HM8000-O142’s programmable thermostat remembers all your settings, even when the power goes out.

This device does have a narrow thermostat range of between 64 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This can make it poorly suited for outdoor use or in environments where the temperature needs to be high, such as a greenhouse.

What makes it stand out?

  • Two fan speeds
  • Small footprint
  • Quiet operation
  • Classic design

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

  • Narrow thermostat range
  • Remote offers limited function

Things to Consider

How Does An Infrared Heater Work?

Most of us have heard about infrared light, even if we only have a dim memory from high school science class.

What you might not know is how this type of energy can be used to heat a room!

While this kind of energy isn’t visible to the unaided human eye, it is something we can sense. Whenever we stand in a beam of sunlight, the warmth we feel is infrared energy. By generating the same kind of energy in a small appliance, we can use it to keep ourselves warm. Infrared heaters can even be more efficient than other types of appliance.

Infrared energy can be produced through many different methods, but it all behaves the same way when it reaches an object. Infrared energy doesn’t heat up the air.

Instead, it transmits directly to a person or piece of furniture. That helps reduce heat loss and improves energy efficiency. It’s also why the air coming out of your infrared heater doesn’t feel as hot as the air from a normal electric space heater. You aren’t wasting extra power by heating up the air first.

10 Fabulous Infrared Heaters - Top Choices of 2022All Types of the Infrared Heaters

  • Infrared Emitter Types

Every heater includes an element that creates the energy. This could be made of tungsten wire, but some also make use of carbon or a proprietary metal alloy. This type of emitter might be found in an infrared heater lamp, which produces light along with infrared rays.

Very large devices can even use infrared heater panels to emit long wave infrared rays. These are common in saunas and some more expensive space heaters. A ceramic material provides another option for heaters that don’t generate any light.

Infrared emitters can also be made of quartz glass, which melts less easily than standard glass. These are filled with halogen gas and are among the fastest-heating infrared generating methods. They are common in infrared heaters for home use, but they can also appear in infrared camping lanterns and other devices.


  • Heater Types by Fuel

No matter which kind of emitter a heater uses, it can generate energy from several kinds of fuel. Electric infrared heaters are the most common for home use. Others are also available, however. Natural gas infrared heaters are common in commercial spaces or industrial buildings.

They are designed to keep a building warm even when cold air often rushes in, such as in a garage while working with air impact wrench or store. You might also encounter infrared heaters that run on propane gas. They are difficult to safely use indoors, but they can be a useful choice when you need to heat a space that doesn’t have an outlet, such as a shed or cabin.


  • Different Kinds of Infrared Energy

Just like visible light, infrared comes in a spectrum, too. You can’t see the differences between them, but you can feel them. Near infrared energy is very high intensity and can produce temperatures of 2300 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Ironically, energy in the near infrared wavelength doesn’t damage human skin much.

Human and animal tissue tends not to absorb this kind of energy at all. Instead, manufacturers use this intense type of infrared energy to form plastic, weld metal and cook on a very large scale.

Medium wave infrared energy is still hot, at about 900 to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. Like near infrared energy, this type isn’t well-absorbed by humans. Instead, it’s the kind we use in thermal imaging systems such as night vision goggles.

Medium infrared can also be used in very large commercial ceramic infrared heater installations. It’s more efficient than traditional heating applications and can withstand constantly opening and closing doors better. You might also encounter mid-range wavelengths in an infrared heater for paint removal.

The kind of energy in your home infrared wall heater tends to be far infrared. Elements of this kind emit energy at a relatively cool temperature – at least when compared to near and medium infrared wavelengths. Far infrared energy is about 200 degrees Fahrenheit and produces no light. This type of energy can easily be absorbed by human skin. That’s why it’s so much more efficient than a fire or a normal electric heater.

10 Fabulous Infrared Heaters - Top Choices of 2022How to Buy the Best Infrared Heater

Not all heaters are the same, but do you know how to tell the difference?

  • Exterior differences such as case design and size are easy to identify, and mostly up to your own preferences. What’s underneath could be a lot more important, however.
  • Take a look at factors such as energy type, capacity, safety ratings, emitter material and reliability. An electric heater will work best for most home applications. Natural gas and propane options make good emergency heaters for conditions with no electricity.
  • Consider the amount of space each heater is meant to warm, too. Your heater should be rated for a specific volume and may struggle to heat a larger space.
  • When in doubt, choose a larger heater and keep it at a lower setting.

10 Fabulous Infrared Heaters - Top Choices of 2022

How Does An Infrared Heater Save Money?

None of us want to pay too much for home heating, but it’s one of the most expensive parts of every winter. Infrared heaters are famous for being more efficient than their convection heater cousins, and they can help reduce your heating bills. You have to use them correctly, however.

Simply running a set of infrared heaters the way you would a home furnace probably won’t help you achieve lower bills. In fact, your heating bill could go up!

What do you need to do if you want those reduced heating costs?

First, understand that infrared space heating is best as a supplement to more conventional central heating. If you have a furnace or heat pump, your infrared heater could keep them from switching on as frequently.

Second, you should always practice zone heating. Instead of keeping the whole house toasty warm, try intensively heating only the room you’re currently occupying. An infrared heater lets you stay comfortable without heating everything at once. If any doubts – take extra duvet insert and you are cozy and the bills are safe.

When you leave the room, you can turn off the infrared heater or set it to a lower maintenance temperature. Since infrared heaters are generally more efficient than other types of space heater, zone heating with them is cheaper than doing it with an electric model.

How Much Energy Does an Infrared Heater Use?

10 Fabulous Infrared Heaters - Top Choices of 2022You might find it hard to quantify how much you’ll save with an infrared space heater. That’s because heaters vary significantly, both in how much space they’re meant to heat and how much power they draw. Most electric infrared space heaters use at least 1500W, but units meant for larger rooms can pull a lot more power.

What power do I need?

Your heater will use more energy if you’re heating a bigger space or if you want to keep the area a few degrees warmer. For smaller rooms and lower temperatures, most heaters are more efficient.

Don’t make the mistake of buying a heater with a capacity that is much larger than your room, however. A slightly oversized heater can keep things cozy, but an excessively large one will tend to alternately overheat and chill a room. This is both less comfortable and less efficient than a smaller unit.

Other factors that affect energy use include:
  • The frequency with which you’ll run your heater, whether your unit produces just heat or also light, and whether your heater will be used indoors or outdoors.
  • Running a heater on “eco” mode keeps rooms more comfortable, but it does use more energy overall than heating the room only when you’re using it.
  • An infrared heater fireplace will use more energy than a heater that doesn’t waste energy on light.
  • Indoor models are generally more efficient than outdoor models since more enclosed spaces allow less heat to escape.

Infrared Heater Vs. Ceramic Heater

This question can be a tricky one since there are types of infrared heater that use ceramic elements. There are even infrared heaters that use convection-type ceramic elements as support for their infrared components.

Most heaters labeled “ceramic,” however, are really just a type of forced air heater. They are safer than space heaters that rely on heated wires, but they aren’t much more efficient and don’t specifically produce infrared energy.

10 Fabulous Infrared Heaters - Top Choices of 2022History

Did you know that infrared energy was completely unknown until the year 1800?

It was a world where we understood heat and knew a lot about light, but we didn’t understand how heat could be transmitted. Sir William Herschel used a spectrometer to discover this wavelength, but he didn’t really know what to do about it.

The first infrared heaters, for industrial purposes, weren’t invented until about 130 years later. Factories in World War II adopted them to speed up drying times and use less fuel. Infrared heating devices for comfort were introduced in 1950s Germany.

Originally designed to heat churches, they soon spread to other venues and other countries. Home heaters appeared later, but they’ve taken off as word of their efficiency and comfort has spread.

Design

10 Fabulous Infrared Heaters - Top Choices of 2022

The market is just packed with different infrared heater designs. The most basic variety is made up of an element, such as an electric ribbon or quartz element, with a reflector behind it. This older heater design tends to be less effective than more recent types.

They combine a larger number of elements with a fan to help distribute the energy more evenly. These larger infrared heaters use more energy to do their jobs, but they also heat a larger area and do so with more consistency.

You can also find electric infrared heaters that add oscillation, aiming their heat emitters at a larger area. These designs are usually more expensive, but they can boost a device’s ability to heat bigger rooms.

Maintenance

So, how do you take care of your infrared heater once you own one?

It’s actually pretty simple. Most heaters need to be monitored, especially in their first days. That’s enough time to figure out whether your heater has arrived with a defect that might cause the cord to heat up or create another problem. After that, all you really need to do is check your heater over every once in a while. If you put it away for the summer, be sure to inspect it as soon as you get it back out of storage.

Many infrared heaters also include a reusable filter. You can just pop it out of the machine when it’s time to empty it. Then you’re ready to wash it by hand or give it a quick vacuum and put the filter back into your heater. That’s all there is to maintaining most infrared space heaters, but be certain to check the manual for your specific model. Every manufacturer does things just a little differently.

Safety

Just like any other appliance, an infrared heater can go wrong. Sometimes there’s a manufacturing problem. In other cases, your heater has just gotten old. There are a few things you can do to keep your heater from being damaged or becoming a fire risk, though.

Let’s take a look.

  • Safety Features

Most infrared heating units have safety features designed to prevent shorts, overheating or fires. These include automatic shut-off functions when the thermostat senses a certain temperature or the device tips over, as well as microchips that monitor plug and cord temperatures. Grills over heating elements should have small spacing to prevent access by kids or pets, and the elements themselves should be well-enclosed.

  • Safety Precautions

10 Fabulous Infrared Heaters - Top Choices of 2022The way you set up your heater matters, too. It can be tempting to cram an infrared device between two other pieces of furniture, especially since the surface of an infrared heater doesn’t get very hot. This creates a fire hazard, though. Most heaters need to be placed anywhere from a few inches to a few feet away from walls and furnishings.

Give them the space to breathe and they’ll work much more efficiently!

Avoid operating your heater in any room that might flood while the heater is still on. Electric devices still carry a risk of shorting out or creating an electric shock. Keeping your heater on a dry, level surface away from flammables can do a lot to keep it safe. Practice good judgment whenever you use your infrared heater. Eliminate all fire hazards before you turn anything on.

Installation

If you’re going to be buying a portable infrared space heater, there isn’t much installation to worry about. Most come fully or almost fully-assembled, and are ready to go as soon as you take them out of their boxes. Just make sure that you place your heater according to the instructions from your manufacturer, and you’re ready to turn it on. Do be sure to read all instructions thoroughly.

No one wants to ruin the new heater, right?

Other types of heater can require a little more effort to get them ready. Infrared fireplace inserts, for instance, need to be installed on a clean, even surface with the right amount of clearance. Some infrared heaters require wall-mounting on a sturdy framing stud. For safety reasons, it’s a good idea to get someone else to help you do this. Gas-powered devices may need a vent for safe operation. Follow all instructions carefully, and when in doubt, call in an installation professional.

Warranty

10 Fabulous Infrared Heaters - Top Choices of 2022What will you do if a component breaks suddenly?

Whenever possible, choose a product with a longer warranty. These devices have few to no user-serviceable parts. That means you’ll have to take your heater to a professional if it stops working correctly. In some cases, you might be required to mail it back to the manufacturer for additional work.

A warranty keeps repair bills for a defective part or bad assembly from rising sky-high. The majority of models offer a one-year warranty, though this can be extended in some cases if you’re willing to pay more. Some manufacturers provide a two-year warranty or greater. These products tend to be more expensive, but they’re often worth it in terms of longevity.

Think hard before you choose an unwarrantied product at a lower price!

Final Verdict

Which infrared home heater is your personal best buy? It can be hard to say for sure; different home sizes, budgets and aesthetic preferences make this a complex decision. There are plenty of excellent heater models on the market, all with great features and design. Out of the 10 reviewed above, however, we chose number 9, the Dr. Infrafed Heater DR998. In a sea of boxy, no-name infrared heaters, this model provides a different look and a well-known name. This heater also has a history of customer satisfaction. Out of all the options we’ve reviewed, it’s the best infrared heater for most people. In short, an infrared heater could be the perfect addition to your home, or any home, as long as the owner wants to stay warm and save money! Used correctly, these heaters can make a big difference in your comfort and your heating bill. So, now it’s your turn. Find the infrared space heater that’ll keep you warm this winter.  Can you or your budget really afford not to?

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