With the high price of oil, many people are trying to save money on their heating bills. Space heaters are one option and the two basic types are radiant and convection. Radiant heaters direct heat toward an object and convection heaters pull or blow air over a surface such as an entire room. Ceramic heaters are one of the newer forms of convection heaters and they range in price from about $30 to $60, making them a cost-effective option for most people interested in supplemental or alternative heating.
Portable ceramic heaters emit a large amount of heat from their small boxes. They are considered safer and more energy efficient than many other heaters. They heat up quickly but their plastic housing remains cool. These heaters are well suited for desktop or small room use. They feature aluminum baffles and ceramic plates that heat electricity. The aluminum absorbs the heat and a fan conveys the hot air to the room.
To determine the effectiveness of portable ceramic heaters, shoppers should understand how the products are rated. Heat output for electric ceramic heaters is measured in wattage. Some models feature multiple heat settings and a fan setting for operation without heat. The heaters are usually compact in size and provide directional space heating or use an oscillating fan.
According to ceramic heater reviews, one popular model is the SAFEHEAT DCH1030 Basic Ceramic Heater from Delonghi. This approximately $30 model features a room thermostat that the user sets to the desired temperature, which is automatically maintained. The ceramic element self-regulates the output of power according to the temperature. One very useful feature is the anti-freeze setting, which automatically turns on the heater when the temperature falls below 44 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another of the portable ceramic heaters touted in ceramic heater reviews is the CER1505TO Oscillating Desktop Ceramic Fan Heater by Windchaser. It features two heat settings (750 and 1,500 watts), as well as a cool fan setting. It also has a thermostat and 41-degree Fahrenheit anti-freeze function, similar to the Delonghi model. Oscillation can be activated using a switch. For safety, there is an overheating protection cut off and a tip over switch that turns off the unit when it falls.
Safety is a top priority when operating electric ceramic heaters and shoppers should make sure their selected model features the United Laboratories (UL) mark. The heater should be placed a minimum of three feet from any combustible items and plugged directly into a wall outlet. Children and pets should be supervised when the heater is in use and the unit should be turned off and unplugged before leaving the room or going to bed. Under no circumstances should any space heater be used to dry clothing.
What is considered the best ceramic heater depends largely on the size of the space being heated and the desired features. Most portable ceramic heaters deliver fast and effective heat to warm an entire room. Their compact design and low price tag make them a wallet-friendly alternative to cranking up the central heating system on cold days.
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