Infrared heaters today are one of the most common types of climatic equipment. These devices are not without reason compared to an artificial sun. They can be found in apartments and hospitals, production halls and gyms, in greenhouses and on summer verandas. To make the right choice, consider the rating of infrared heaters.
How infrared heaters differ from other types of similar equipment
Among all the variety of household heaters, IR heaters occupy a special place. Unlike their "brothers", they do not warm the air. All the generated heat with minimal losses is absorbed by the walls, floor, ceiling and interior items in the room, and then returns to the surrounding space.
These devices are different:
- economy;
- the speed of heating;
- compactness;
- durability;
- noiselessness (most models).
It is very important that during operation they do not consume oxygen from the air and do not dry it out.
These devices create electromagnetic radiation that is between visible red light and shortwave radio emissions. Depending on the wavelength of the emitted wave, two types of devices are distinguished: long-wave and short-wave.
Long-wavelengths heat up weakly during operation, up to +300 - +400 С, therefore they almost do not glow. They are called dark. Shortwave, on the contrary, have an operating temperature of more than + 800C. For this reason, they are called white or light.
There are four types of heating elements used in infrared heaters.
- carbon;
- halogen;
- ceramic;
- micametric.
The carbon emitter is a quartz tube that can be transparent or colored with a composite polymer coil based on carbon fiber filaments. Devices of this type heat up quickly. They have high efficiency, however, they do not have a long service life and are quite energy-intensive.
Halogen elements are tubular flasks with a tungsten spiral filled with gas - halogen vapors. Such lamps emit light and heat at the same time.
Ceramic ones, on the other hand, do not create a glow, since the heating element is in a ceramic shell. These are very energy efficient and reliable devices.
Micametric heating elements are very similar to ceramic ones. They are reliable, safe and effective. The structure is a nickel plate treated with metal oxides - tin, iron and zinc. They are covered with mica to retain heat on the outside.
Such devices are distinguished by the presence of a slight convection, since the air, in contact with it, comes out warmed up. In the ranking of infrared home heaters, they occupy a leading position along with ceramic ones.
One of the most important issues in the use of infrared heaters is to minimize the negative impact on the human body. In this respect, ceramic and micametric heaters are considered the safest.
Halogen, on the contrary, are not recommended for use in apartments, houses and medical institutions. Short infrared waves are harmful to humans and are therefore only suitable for non-residential areas.
Depending on the type of power source, IR heaters are divided into three groups:
- diesel;
- gas;
- electrical.
Diesel devices are equipped with a burner to which fuel is supplied. Gas infrared heaters work on the principle of flameless combustion. This does not create a fire hazard and minimizes the amount of harmful impurities.
Heaters of these two types are distinguished by their high power. Therefore, they are used in production workshops and outdoors (in summer cafes, on open verandas, etc.). In everyday life and in offices, devices operating from a 220V power supply are more common.
How to choose an infrared heater
The main criterion when choosing a device is the size of the heated room. This characteristic directly depends on the power consumption. When deciding on a purchase, you need to correlate the power with the load that the electrical wiring in your home or office can withstand. According to these two main parameters, the rating of infrared heaters is usually built.
In addition, safety and convenience performance matters. For example, the presence of a shutdown function in case of overheating or overturning. For this, the devices are equipped with position fixing sensors. The thermostat will help maintain the set temperature: turn off the device after reaching it and turn it on when it drops.
Modern models are equipped with automatic overheating protection. There are other additional functions: a timer that turns off the device after a certain time, a rotary system, an ionizer, a humidifier.
The presence of a remote control will undoubtedly add convenience in using the device. In the simplest models, mechanical regulators are laid, while the more modern ones come with consoles. For those who want to warm up the house for their arrival, there are devices that are connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Therefore, in the rating of the best infrared heaters, they often occupy top positions.
Floor standing infrared heaters
Like any other device, floor-standing infrared heaters also have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, before citing a rating of market leaders, we will pay attention to them.
Advantages
These heaters are usually used as an auxiliary heat source. They can stand anywhere in the apartment, house or on the street and be directed to the consumer. In addition, many models can be rotated during operation. This significantly expands the coverage area. These devices are available in vertical, horizontal and cylindrical design.
Flaws
All of the floor heaters presented below are equipped with carbon emitters, the main disadvantage of which is the fragility of the quartz tube, so it may fail if dropped.
Recent studies have shown that these heat sources do not always have a beneficial effect on a person's well-being. Sanitary doctors advise against purchasing them for people suffering from respiratory diseases (for example, asthma). In addition, it has been observed that headaches may occur with prolonged exposure to them.
Rating of the best floor standing infrared heaters
We have compiled for you a rating of the best models of infrared heaters in accordance with user reviews, technical characteristics, as well as a combination of high quality and reasonable prices.
Zenet NS-1200D
The device is designed for a room of 30 m2. Its overall dimensions are 28.50x84x28.50 cm, weight is 3.2 kg. It has one operating mode and mechanical control. Equipped with protective shutdown functions in case of rollover and overheating. The power that the Zenet NS-1200D can develop is 1200 W.
Vitesse VS-870
Unlike the previous model, this device is equipped with a timer designed for 7.5 hours of continuous operation, a remote control, a display, and a thermostat. Additional convenience is provided by the ability to rotate the housing during operation, as well as the illumination of the switch.
800 W power allows you to heat a room with an area of 10 m2. With dimensions of 35.0x35.0x100.0 cm, it weighs 3 kg. Like Zenet, it shuts down in the event of a drop or excessively high temperature. This device can successfully top the rating of infrared ceiling heaters for summer cottages.
Polaris PKSH 0408RC
With a power of 800 kW Polaris PKSH 0408RC is designed to heat a room of 24 m2. Overall dimensions - 84.6x28.5x26.0 cm, weight - 1.93 kg. The timer is designed for 4 hours. A special handle is provided for moving. The set includes a control panel. A distinctive feature is energy efficiency.
Ballu Bihp M-1500
This powerful appliance (»1500 W) can heat a 20 m2 room. Unlike the three previous models, it is equipped with wheels for moving, since its weight exceeds 5.5 kg. It can be used not only as a floor-standing device, but also as a wall-mounted device. The case is equipped with moisture protection and has the following dimensions: width - 75 cm, height - 45 cm, thickness - 12 cm. There is no remote control for temperature regulation. It turns off when overheated.
Neockima NC-CH-3000
When purchasing this heater, you need to pay attention to the power consumption - 3000 W. It is designed for 30 m2 and weighs 2.6 kg. The ratio of height, width and depth: 69x38x38 cm. Safety functions include overheating and falling protection. This model has been produced for about ten years.
Wall mounted infrared heaters
Having considered the floor-standing models, it will be fair to pay attention to the wall-mounted ones, because they are attractive to many consumers not only by their characteristics, but also by the possibility of wall-mounting.
Advantages
Wall heaters are installed permanently, therefore they are used for constant heating of premises. Their small thickness allows them to be placed under windows. These devices are especially relevant for rooms with stretch ceilings, on which it is impossible to attach a ceiling heater.
Flaws
The main problem that can arise during the operation of wall heaters is significant heating of the working surface. If there are children in the room, placement at the bottom of a wall or under a window is not acceptable.
Rating of the best wall mounted infrared heaters
Well, now the time has come for the rating, which includes the most demanded and popular models from leading manufacturers.
Peony Thermo Glass P-25
This device can be mounted not only on the wall, but also on the ceiling. The included mounting kit includes brackets for the first and second option. Depending on the operating conditions, manufacturers guarantee heating of 50 m2 of the area in the autumn-spring mode and 25 m2 in the winter. The power of the device is 2500 W, weight is about 10 kg, dimensions: 83.5x58.8x2.3 cm.
Zilon IR-2.0EN2
Like the previous model, the Zilon IR-2.0EN2 can combine wall and ceiling functions. In addition, it can be angled to provide a directed heat flow. The improved shape of the perforated housing provides a longer service life. Its power is slightly less - 200 W, and it is designed for 20 m2. The dimensions of the device are 163.0x25.7x4.2 cm, the weight is 7.8 kg.
Noirot Royat 21800
The Noirot Royat 21800 quartz carbon-type heater has a power of 1800 watts. It can be operated indoors up to 20 m2. This device has only one - wall - modification and one operating mode. However, it is equipped with a power control, a rotary device, and the case is waterproof. Width - thickness - height are in the ratio 55x11x12cm. The device weighs only 1.5 kg.
Timberk TIR HP11800
With a power of 1800 W, this device will heat 18 m2 of area. It is installed at a height of 2.2 meters. It is distinguished from other models by the presence of dust and moisture protection, the ability to change the angle of inclination. In addition, Timberk TIR HP11800 can be mounted on a special telescopic stand. The device weighs only 2.5 kg. Its dimensions: 66.8 x 25.6 x 13.3 cm.
Stiebel Eltron IW 180
The emitting element of this device is a quartz tube, so its warming up time is only half a minute. The compact body (14.5 × 53.5 × 8.5 cm) allows it to be installed only on the wall, while there is a possibility of changing the angle of rotation by 20 ° - 40 °. The power of the device is 1800 W. It can be successfully operated outdoors.
Ceiling infrared heaters
It is not difficult to guess about the main distinguishing feature of this type of equipment, because the name itself speaks about it. It would seem, what are the disadvantages of such devices? After all, it does not always come across even in the field of view. But, unfortunately, here it was not without both pluses and minuses. Let's consider them.
Advantages
Ceiling devices save space in the room, provide the most efficient heating of the required area. Devices are produced both rectangular and square, so they fit well into false ceilings, replacing one of the sections. The safety factor is also important - in this case, the possibility of contact with a heated working surface is excluded.
Flaws
When buying such a device, you must take into account the height of its installation. As a rule, it is able to work effectively in low-rise rooms. If the fixture is mounted on a ceiling higher than 3 m, it is most likely that the infrared radiation will not reach the floor.
Rating of the best ceiling infrared heaters
And now the time has come for our ranking of the leading models of ceiling heaters, which includes 5 models.
NeoClima IR-08
Made of anodized aluminum, the power of this heater is only 800 watts. Overall dimensions: 118.0x14.7x4.3 cm, weight - 4.5 kg. The heating element is a heating element. Manufacturers guarantee class I electrical protection, the possibility of cascade connection and operation for two years.
Zilon IR-0.8 S
This model is equal in power to the previous one and is comparable in size: 119 x 12.5 x 4.2 cm, but has a lighter weight - 3.2 kg. In addition, this device turns off when overheated, and also has the ability to wall mount. The device is designed for 8 m2.
Hyundai H-HC1-16-UI572
A modern 1800 W heater has very good moisture protection. Its oversized emitting plates are coated with silicon. The device, equipped with a thermostat, can be mounted not only on a ceiling up to 3 m high, but also on a wall. With a mass of 5 kg, its dimensions are 5.0 × 116.0x16.0 cm. This model is distinguished by its current design. According to the totality of characteristics in the rating of infrared ceiling heaters with a thermostat Hyundai H-HC1-16-UI572 occupies a leading position.
Noirot Infrarouge moyenne 1500
The 1500 W device is designed for an area of 15 m2. Its manufacturers provide for wall and ceiling installation. Weight - 3.6 kg, dimensions: 11.5x101x13 cm. Model on the HVAC market since 2015.
Timberk TCH A1N 1500
Modern model, equipped with a timer, remote control with two modes of operation. The power of the device is 1500 W, it is capable of heating a room with an area of 12 m2. It can be suspended at a height of 2.7 m. The device is waterproof.
Portable infrared heaters
This kind of equipment is a whole godsend for those who need to constantly carry, move or even transport a heater from place to place. That is why we decided to include such devices in our rating of the best heaters for home and office.
Advantages
Mobility is considered an indisputable advantage of devices of this type. They can be taken with you on a trip, installed in a gazebo, etc., therefore, they are the ones who lead the rating of infrared heaters for summer cottages. If you need spot heating inside the room, such a device is the best fit.
Flaws
Meanwhile, local heating is not suitable in all cases - this can often be considered a disadvantage. In addition, such devices do not always fit into the interior.
Rating of the best portable infrared heaters
The rating of the best mobile heaters includes 5 popular models from well-known manufacturers. They received the highest marks from consumers and experts.
Sinbo SFH 3320
This appliance with a carbon type heater with a power of 2000 W is designed for a room of 18 m2. It has one operating mode and mechanical control. The device weighing 11.2 kg can be wall-mounted and mounted on a bracket in a floor-standing version. Heater dimensions - 112x30x6.50 cm.
AEG IWQ 120
This device with a light indicator and the ability to adjust the direction of the heat flow by 45 ° is reassigned to heat an area of 12 m2. This lightweight heater weighs only 1.2 kg and measures 61x10x17.5 cm and 1200 watts. Manufacturers have provided for moisture protection of the case and the ability to adjust the temperature. The AEG IWQ 120 is highly rated in the rating of thermostatically controlled infrared heaters.
NeoClima NC-IRHLS-2.0
This model provides power regulation and mechanical control. The 2000 W device is designed for 20 m2. Dimensions: 91.5x14.5x23.5 cm Weight: 11.2 kg. It is distinguished by the possibility of using it in very humid rooms.
Polaris PKSH 0508H
The 800 W heater has a two-level operation mode. It is an economical floor-mounted device with a capacity of 20m2, overheating protection and a three-hour timer. A feature of the device is the presence of a two-position device that ensures safety when overturning. Dimensions: 60.0 x 22.0 x 22.0 cm, weight - 3 kg.
Ballu BHHM-09
An easy-to-use and lightweight device (weight 1.2 kg) with a quartz element is perfect for creating the required temperature conditions in a room up to 8 m2. It does not take up much space - dimensions 30.5x37.0x13.6 cm. Equipped with a control unit with which you can activate two modes of operation with a power of 400 W and 800 W. A distinctive feature is a quick exit to the operating mode.
Customer Reviews
Analyzing the reviews of the owners of infrared heaters, one can note the strengths and weaknesses of these devices. Positive qualities include:
- fast speed of reaching the set temperature;
- comfort (air humidity is preserved);
- high work efficiency;
- compactness;
functionality (many models are used in different mounting options - on the floor, on the wall, on the ceiling, etc.);
a variety of exterior design, which allows you to choose devices for any interior.
Among the negative points are:
- crackling during heating and cooling;
- the presence of odor when first turned on;
- the likelihood of breakage of a fragile lamp (in some models);
- the presence of cases of ignition of heaters (in the absence of a thermostat and a timer);
- the appearance of headaches in individual consumers.
Despite the presence of negative aspects, in the overwhelming majority of cases, consumers are satisfied with infrared heaters, preferring them to other types of similar devices.
According to buyers, the rating of infrared heaters in 2021 can be led by devices manufactured under the Hyundai brand. Judging by the reviews, they are distinguished by the uniformity of heating, efficiency, and uninterrupted operation. Many people appreciated the absence of unpleasant odors during work, the modern design and the presence of a remote control.
Concluding the review of IR heaters presented on the domestic market, we can say that today there is a large selection of devices that are suitable for both operational characteristics and external mind. It is important to take into account all the parameters in order to correctly calculate the required number and location of heaters in the room.
