Why choose a ceramic heater
On your path to choosing the right heater for your room, you’ve likely stumbled upon the term ceramic heaters. They seem to be everywhere now, but what are they?
Their name comes from the fact that there are ceramic plates inside the heater which hare heated up via electricity. That heat is then transferred to the room, usually with the help of a fan. Ceramic heaters are an excellent choice for three main reasons.
First, they are relatively safe. While you always want to be cautious with any heat source, ceramic heaters are durable and a better alternative to many. Secondly, the small size of the ceramic heaters means they are very portable. You can transfer them from room to room, or easily move them to the garage for storage during the summer. If you plan on taking a trip, they can easily fit inside of a trailer or an RV. Finally, ceramic heaters are relatively inexpensive. While there are many options, all at different price ranges, you can easily afford any basic ceramic heater. Overall, ceramic heaters will do a great job of keeping you warm.
Features to consider while choosing a ceramic heater
Finding the best ceramic heater means matching up its price point with its features and determining which will work best for your needs. There are many features to consider, including how large of an area the heater will work in, and just how big (or small) the ceramic heater is. To help you navigate the world of heaters, here are the most important features to consider and what they all mean.
Wattage
The wattage in a ceramic heater refers to how much power the heater will have. Apart from one product on our list, all of the ceramic heaters we reviewed have a 1,500 wattage power. The AmazonBasics 500-Watt Ceramic Personal Mini Heater is the exception, coming in at 500 watts. While this mini heater will provide a lot of heat, it is best for smaller rooms, or areas that aren’t in a constant deep freeze.
Coverage area
The coverage area of a ceramic heater refers to the size of the room in which the heater can expect to work properly. If you place a heater in too large of a space, it will take much longer than ideal to heat and leave you frustrated with the performance of the heater. The average coverage area of the ceramic heaters on our list is 300 square feet. This means that you can comfortably heat a bedroom or even a living room. If, however, you live in an open-concept home, then you may need multiple ceramic heaters.
The DeLonghi TCH7915ER has the smallest coverage area on our list, at 150 square feet, (which is perfect for a small bedroom or a kitchen), while the TRUSTECH 1603 has the largest coverage area, at 350 square feet.
Be sure to measure the space where you plan on placing your ceramic heater and purchase accordingly.
Heat settings and thermostat
When it comes to heat settings, the more, the better. We all have individual preferences, and the more accurately you can control the heat from a ceramic heater, the happier you will be. The standard for heat settings is three. This will give you a low, medium, and high temperature options.
While most ceramic heaters will not have a thermostat, if you can find a model with one, it can really change your heating routine. A thermostat means that you can more accurately control which temperature you want your heater to reach. It also means that your ceramic heater will turn off once it reaches that temperature and then turn on again once the room has cooled. The Ivation IVACFH60 is a great example of such a model. This is the most energy-efficient option to choose.
Dimensions
A ceramic heater is meant to heat a small room, and if your room is too small, then you definitely need to consider the dimensions. All of the heaters on our list are very different in size, and some will work better than others.
The TRUSTECH 1603 is perfect if you want to put it in a corner. The AmazonBasics 500-Watt Ceramic Personal Mini Heater, as its name implies, is much smaller with dimensions of 5.9 x 3.2 x 6 inches. You can put this mini heater in any small space. So before you purchase a ceramic heater, think about where you want to place it. Whether it’s on the floor or on the counter, there is definitely an option for you.
Warranty
A ceramic fan has a lot of electrical components, so a warranty is crucial for your purchase. There are many products on our list that come with an impressive three-year warranty, including the Lasko 754200, Lasko 751320, and the Lasko Designer Series Ceramic Space Heater. As you can see, all three heaters come from the same manufacturer. You can also expect really nice customer service from Lasko, so if you are a bit worried about your purchase, there are plenty of options from them available.
Extra features
Along with the standard features of a ceramic heater mentioned, there may be some bonus characteristics as well. While these often come with a heftier price tag, they are usually worth it and ensure the longevity and usefulness of a ceramic heater.
Above all, a remote control is an excellent feature to have. For those using a heater at night, a remote control means that you can stay in your cozy bed and still control your heater. Likewise, if you’re enjoying some time on the couch and really don’t want to have to get up to turn your heater on, this extra is a savior.
If your ceramic heater has an oscillation feature, it means that it can pivot and spread warmth to the whole room. For larger areas, the oscillation feature is a must. It also means that the room will heat up faster.
While some ceramic heaters are boxy in size and therefore sturdier, some are tall and lean. Tip-over protection means that your ceramic heater has been developed so that it won’t fall over, even if jostled. This gives great peace of mind to all users.
One final extra feature is an eco-mode. Often used in conjunction with a thermostat, eco-modes allow for sensors to shut off the heater once it’s reached the desired temperature and then to turn on again if that temperature drops. This means that you aren’t needlessly heating your room.
Some safety tips
A ceramic heater is one of the safer varieties of heaters available, but you still want to take suitable precautions to prevent any damage.
First of all, make sure that your heater is on a flat surface. The floor is the best option, but a countertop will also do. The next aspect to consider is what is around the heater. There should be no fabrics, such as clothes or curtains near the appliance. There should also be no papers in the area. To be on the safe side, make sure there is at least one to two feet of clear space around your heater.
While you may want to put a heater on a shelf, the walls around the heater can impede and create a safety hazard. You’ll want adequate air flow around the heater.
Before you plug your ceramic heater in, read the instruction manual, and set up your device accordingly. Finally, ensure that the room you place your ceramic heater in has a working smoke detector. This should be in place regardless if you have a heater or not. Your smoke detector should be tested regularly, and the batteries should be replaced every six months.
Once all these safety tips have been noted, it’s time to enjoy your new ceramic heater.