Choosing an Efficient Ceramic Heater
Many times you'll want to heat just a particular area or room, for fast relief from the biting cold. Previously people had fireplaces in their homes to keep them warm. But there were several disadvantages to using firewood--some of them even life-threatening. Ceramic space heaters are a popular, safe alternative. They work on the basic principle of a ceramic heating element, which generates heat when we apply voltage to it. Typically, fine aluminum fins are connected to the ceramic element in this device. These fins catch the heat from the ceramic element, and a blower fan from the back of these fins releases air. This air eventually gets warm when it passes through the fins and keeps the room warm.
Types of Ceramic Heaters
Primarily, there are three basic types of ceramic heaters, based on different heating technologies: convective, radiant and mica-thermic.
- Convective: These utilize a fan that blows air over the heating element. The warm air will circulate through the room, typically rising to the ceiling. It's best to have these heaters resting on the floor so that they'll maximize the heat in the room. (Otherwise, the air near your feet will remain cold.)
- Radiant: These transfer heat outwards directly to objects directly in front of the heater. Such ceramic heaters don't rely on a fan to spread out the hot air uniformly. They're best for keeping you warm just where you're sitting.
- Mica-thermic: These have their ceramic heating element encased in mica sheets. They'll employ both convection and radiation to warm the room. They are thus more efficient than heaters that rely on radiant heat alone. They also operate quietly.
What reviewers say
How should you choose a ceramic heater?
If you have a ceramic heater, you don't have to be afraid of the bitter cold winter months--they're an easy way to keep your family warm and cozy. There are different types of ceramic heaters that vary in styles, sizes, and designs. To help you choose the best ceramic heater, here are a few tips:
Power: The very first thing you should consider is the power of the heater. It means how fast it can make your room warm. If you have a small room then a small ceramic heater will suffice to heat efficiently with less power. The larger the room, the larger the heater.
Portable: The second thing that comes to mind is how you handle the heater. You should prefer a heater that is portable and convenient to move from one room to another. It should be a user-friendly device with easy accessibility.
Power consumption: The power consumption is the third criterion, that shows you the amount of power it needs to operate, and what kind of strain it is going to put on your electric bill.
Advantages of Ceramic Heaters Over the Traditional Ones
There are several reasons why people in recent times depend on these ceramic heaters rather than electrical coil heaters and fireplaces. In the coil heaters, there were chances of accidents, since the electrical conductors are exposed. The basic principle was based on the resistance of the material carrying electrical current. But the new age ceramic heaters use a unique semiconductor element to generate the heat.
Important Features
Features of a Good Ceramic Heater
When you are in search of a good ceramic heater, look for the following features:
Thermostat
Choose a ceramic heater with a good thermostat. This will ensure that it turns itself off at reliable intervals, so as to avoid any accidents that could burn out the heating element.
Wattage
There are different types of heaters available depending on their size and power consumption. Choose the right one for your room according to its size. The higher the wattage, the higher the heating power will be. A small ceramic heater operating at 1000 watts will definitely produce less heat than a 2000 watt heater. A wattage of 1500 W should be enough for a small room.
Portability
Ceramic heaters are generally portable, and the length of the power cable allows you to move it from one place to another. If you ever need more heating in a particular location, you should be able to transport it easily.
Air Quality Features
Buy a heater that has a fresh air ionizer feature. This improves air quality while the heater is in use. If you are a person who appreciates a ceramic heater which requires minimum maintenance, look for a heater with a dust filter. An integrated dust filter is a great add-on for the effective maintenance of the appliance.
Safety Features
Look for ceramic heaters that have safety features such as overheating protection, a sensor switch, and internal components that will stop the equipment from reaching an unsafe temperature.
Top-Rated Brands
5 Best Ceramic Heaters within Your Budget
Brightown 750W/1500W Ceramic Space Heater
These ceramic space heaters contain 1500W of heating power, with the option of 750 W as well. There is also a fan for spreading the heat uniformly. It also has an auto-cutoff feature that cuts the power supply automatically if it overheats or is tipped over. There is an option to set the temperature in advance so that it can regulate the temperature by the thermostat. It is also easy to handle and carry around. Customers say that it is excellent for use when camping, or in a room or office.
Andily Space Heater Electric Heater
This model is very compact and portable. It is possible to open the enclosure and remove any dust that accumulates. It has options for high and low heat and can be operated at 1500W and 750W also. There is a fan to distribute the heat evenly throughout the room. The heating elements heat up easily and release their heat quickly. The coils are concealed, so there is less of a chance of an accident. It has a thermostat, so as to keep the room at a constant temperature without risking overheating.
Bojing Oscillating Space Heater
This device is designed for heating quickly, at both a high and low temperature, and a powerful fan to distribute the heat. It also can oscillate 70 degrees, for more uniform heat. It is suitable for both your home and workplace. It also contains a thermostat to keep the temperature of the room comfortable. It has built-in safety features to avoid accidents.
Lasko Remote Control Ceramic Tower Heater
The Lasko RC Tower Heater can oscillate to distribute heat evenly, as well as two heat settings that heat the room efficiently and quietly. It is equipped with a thermostat and a 7-hour timer to heat the room exactly to the desired temperature.
Pro Breeze 1500W Mini Ceramic Space Heater
The Pro Breeze has a high, low, and fan-only mode, and can oscillate to distribute heat isotropically. It can monitor the room temperature, and adjust accordingly by means of its internal thermostat. Its fan operates quietly at 58 dBA, with overheat protection and switches off if tipped over by accident.
Some Last Words
Once you are familiar with the advantages of ceramic heaters, they'll become your first choice when looking for a small-space heating solution.
