What are the differences between ceramic infrared heaters?

Design and principle of operation

Ceramic stoves come in two types: gas and electric. Since gas appliances are rarely used for heating residential premises, this article will focus on devices operating from the network.

Device

Ceramic heaters use two types of heat transfer: infrared and convection. This is the reason for their high efficiency.

Structurally, a ceramic heater consists of the following main parts:

• ceramic plate;
• main heating element (TEN);
• profile heat exchanger;
• metal case.

The design of modern ceramic heaters is shown in the figure.

Ceramic heating device

Operating principle

The ceramic front panel, heated by electrical resistance, begins to emit infrared rays that heat nearby objects. At the same time, natural convection occurs, which ensures the circulation of heated air in the room.

Which ceramic heater is better to buy?

For constant heating of apartments and private houses, it is worth using electric convectors. They automatically regulate the temperature and do not require constant human supervision. Gas heaters are better suited for use in places with intermittent or complete absence of power supply; they can be taken outdoors or into an unheated house.

The choice of a specific model is largely determined by the purpose of the heaters:

• For small kitchens, bathrooms or heating bedrooms, it is appropriate to use Nikaten 300 W.
• If you need a simple heater with economical fuel consumption and the ability to heat a room up to 10 m2, you should take a closer look at Nikapanels 650 Premium.
• If there is a shortage of free space, it is recommended to use the Temroglas Ceramics 10 ceiling panel, which can heat up to 10-20 m2 depending on the temperature outside the window.
• An affordable, economical and long-cooling heater is Teplopit 2.
• For outings in large groups, it is better to buy Kovea Power Sense (KH-2006).
• It is reasonable to use Ballu Bigh-55 as the main source of heating homes and industrial areas without access to electricity. It covers up to 60 m2.
• Pathfinder Dixon will help to warm up construction areas, sites, open gazebos, terraces, and verandas; you can also cook food on it.

The main features of all convectors are the ability to quickly and economically heat rooms to the desired temperature, as well as safety of use. Among other key characteristics that are noted in reviews of ceramic heaters: ease of use and beautiful design of the device. Taking into account all these points, you can choose a really good option.

Rating of the best ceramic heaters

To choose the best convectors, you need to take into account all the main characteristics:

• High efficiency;
• Safety of operation, including in camping conditions or in wet areas;
• Availability of a convenient thermostat;
• Design;
• No extraneous sounds during operation;
• Fast heating and slow cooling.

In addition to everything else, it is important to consider the dimensions of the product and the materials used to make it. Feedback from owners, expert impressions, and analysis of the price-quality ratio helped determine as accurately as possible which ceramic heater is the best on the domestic market.

The best climate systems

The best gas heaters with a ceramic heating element

Gas convectors are much more efficient with smaller dimensions and are mobile, but require a gas cylinder. They are suitable for heating cottages, non-residential premises, tents and other places where there is no access to electricity. 3 models of gas heaters are recognized on the market as quite safe, compact and efficient.

Kovea Power Sense KH-2006

This is a small, lightweight heater with a tungsten emitter. It belongs to the budget series and is in particular demand among tourists. A device weighing 1.4 kg is enough to heat an area of ​​10 m2 at a gas consumption of 0.08 kg/h. The model is ideal for creating a comfortable environment in a large tent, car while parked, fishing or hunting shelter. High heat transfer is ensured by the ceramic plate, and safety is guaranteed by the overpressure valve. For ease of transportation, the model comes with a hard plastic case that protects the device from damage.

Advantages

• Combined practical housing made of plastic and aluminum;
• The heater provides a strong flow of heat even in severe frosts;
• The tungsten emitter is durable and does not require special maintenance;
• Electric piezo eliminates the need for a lighter or matches;
• Convenient handle for transportation.

Flaws

• From a full tank the KGF-110 can operate for 3 hours.

A gas heater is a good purchase for people traveling in large groups. Its power is enough to heat the air in a 6-person tent, car, inflatable boat with an awning, etc.

Ballu Bigh-55

...I had a chance to test the Ballu BIGH-55 personally and was quite pleased with the result. The heater simply ignites, operates quietly and is quite economical due to the rapid increase in temperature of surfaces rather than air. Most of the time it sits in the summer kitchen, but in winter I also take it to the dacha; it doesn’t take up too much space in the trunk

Expert opinion

This is the best ceramic heater of infrared-convective heating type. The concept of the device increases heat transfer by 25% compared to classic models. It is manufactured in a completely closed case, which is equipped with a ceramic panel on the front (class A).

The device is intended for indoor use: in country houses, country houses and commercial enterprises. The maximum heating area is 60 m2. A temperature controller with 3 operating modes allows you to manually set the appropriate heat level in the building. Fast Heat technology guarantees uniform heating of adjacent areas of the premises.

Advantages

• You can install a 27 l cylinder;
• Powerful and easy to use equipment;
• Portability of the device: weighs 8.4 kg and dimensions are 42x36x72 cm;
• Gas consumption – 0.3 kg/h;
• Rollover and fire extinction protection systems.

Flaws

• When installing the cylinder, you must be careful, otherwise you can damage the temperature sensors and tubes;
• There is no off button, so the gas must be turned off with the valve on the cylinder.

The main advantage of Ballu Bigh-55 is the complete independence of the device owners from the power supply. Also, one or two appliances can completely heat an average home.

Pathfinder Dixon

An infrared gas heater with a power of 4.62 kW can heat a room up to 30 m2. Features of the model are economical gas consumption, 0.181 m3/hour and targeted heating. It can be directed to a living room or the location of a fisherman or hunter and stay warm without wasting fuel on heating unnecessary rooms. The device can heat even open areas. This model is characterized by safe operation if basic operating rules are observed and does not require electricity at all, you just need to have a propane gas cylinder with you.

Advantages

• Light weight – 1.6 kg;
• Infrared directional heating;
• There is a piece;
• Suitable for use as a stove for heating and cooking;
• Compact dimensions – 21x27x9.5 cm.

Flaws

• The temperature of the emitting surface is 800-900°C - this is good, but if touched, a burn is possible;
• There are no grooves for wall mounting.

The device must be protected from moisture, otherwise, due to a sharp temperature change, the ceramic surface may crack or completely fail, fortunately, it is quite possible to replace it.

What is PLEN

Heating PLEN is a technological innovation of recent years. Although its principle of operation cannot be called new, because this is the way the sun heats our planet. The whole point lies in the generation of infrared radiation, which warms up floors, walls and even ceilings. IR radiation is converted into heat directly in these surfaces and partially in surrounding objects. As a result, the rooms become warm and comfortable.

The PLEN heating system is devoid of thick pipes and radiators. There is only a thin but durable film that is placed under heated surfaces. Resistive metallized strips are applied on top of the film. The alternating current passing through them turns into infrared radiation, reaching surrounding objects and warming them up. The film does not heat up - the heating temperature does not exceed +40-50 degrees. The whole thing is controlled by a room thermostat.